Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis Overview
Learn About Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis
Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a blood clot in an area at the base of the brain.
The cavernous sinus is a structure inside the head that receives blood from veins of the face and brain. The blood drains it into other blood vessels that carry it back to the heart. This area also contains nerves that control vision and eye movements.
Cavernous sinus thrombosis is most often caused by a bacterial infection that has spread from the sinuses, teeth, ears, eyes, nose, or skin of the face.
You are more likely to develop this condition if you have an increased risk of blood clots.
Symptoms include:
- Bulging eyeball, usually on one side of face
- Cannot move the eye in a particular direction
- Drooping eyelids
- Headaches
- Vision loss
Cavernous sinus thrombosis is treated with high-dose antibiotics given through a vein (IV) if an infection is the cause.
Blood thinners help dissolve the blood clot and prevent it from getting worse or recurring.
Surgery is sometimes needed to drain the infection.
Rhode Island Hospital
Tina Burton is a Neurologist in Providence, Rhode Island. Dr. Burton has been practicing medicine for over 14 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis. Her top areas of expertise are Stroke, Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), Apoplexy, Transmyocardial Revascularization, and Stent Placement.
Southcoast Physicians Group Inc
Kenath Shamir is an Internal Medicine provider in Fall River, Massachusetts. Dr. Shamir and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis. His top areas of expertise are Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF), Coronary Heart Disease, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, and Familial Hypertension. Dr. Shamir is currently accepting new patients.
Southcoast Physicians Group Inc
Edress Othman is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in Fall River, Massachusetts. Dr. Othman and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis. His top areas of expertise are Lung Adenocarcinoma, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), Thrombocytopenia, Iron Deficiency Anemia, and Bone Marrow Aspiration. Dr. Othman is currently accepting new patients.
Cavernous sinus thrombosis can lead to death if left untreated.
Contact your health care provider right away if you have:
- Bulging eyes
- Drooping eyelids
- Eye pain
- Inability to move your eye in any particular direction
- Vision loss
Published Date: March 31, 2024
Published By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Markiewicz MR, Han MD, Miloro M. Complex odontogenic infections. In: Hupp JR, Ellis E, Tucker MR, eds. Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 17.
Nath A, Berger JR. Brain abscess and parameningeal infections. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 382.