CAVERNOUS SINUS THROMBOSIS

Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a rare and potentially fatal illness affecting adults and children. When a blood clot blocks a vein that passes through a hollow space beneath the brain and behind the eye sockets, it leads to complications, namely, cavernous sinus thrombosis.

These veins, as mentioned earlier, circulate blood to the heart from the face and head. Thrombosis of the cavernous sinus is a dangerous condition in which the infection is the most common cause of acquiring it. However, other elements may also have a role in developing this disease. In up to 30% of cases, it leads to death.

A significant blow to the head can occasionally cause cavernous sinus thrombosis. People who take specific medications, such as oral contraceptives, or underlying health issues like uncontrolled diabetes or cancer, are more likely to develop this condition.

TYPES

Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis is a rare but severe condition caused by infections of the paranasal sinuses—usually ethmoid or sphenoid sinusitis and, less frequently, otogenic, odontogenic, and pharyngeal origin.

Aseptic cavernous sinus thrombosis frequently occurs with other conditions, such as trauma, circulatory complications, nasopharyngeal cancer, anemia, dehydration and other skull base tumours.

SYMPTOMS

This illness can cause the following signs and symptoms:

  • Lethargy
  • Hyperpyrexia
  • Drooped eyelids
  • Inability to move the eyes or blindness
  • Numbness and pain is felt on the eyes and the face
  • Severe headache with tearing of the eyes
  • Visible swelling, redness, or irritation in one or both eyes
  • Changes in mental condition ranging from disorientation to coma

In rare cases, double vision and seizures are experienced. Nevertheless, if symptoms continue to persist, consult your doctor right away.

DIAGNOSIS

This condition is diagnosed clinically, with imaging techniques used to review the results. The diagnosis is established by proptosis, ptosis, chemosis, and cranial nerve palsy starting in one eye and spreading to another. 

TREATMENT

Occasionally, blood thinners are prescribed, and corticosteroid medicines can also treat swelling. If an underlying infection is discovered, doctors treat this illness with high-dose of antibiotics. These are commonly administered via IV drip. Surgery is the last resort to drain the initially infected area.

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