Cavernous sinus thrombosis (head vein blood clot)

Description A blood clot in the...

Description

A blood clot in the cavernous sinus. The cavernous sinus is one of the venous channels draining blood away from the brain. The carotid artery and cranial nerves pass through this sinus. The cavernous sinus is located at the base of the skull, behind the eyes. A blood clot in this sinus is called cavernous sinus thrombosis. The cause of cavernous sinus thrombosis is usually a bacterial infection that has spread from the sinuses, ears, eyes, nose, or skin of the face.

Symptoms

Loss of vision, paralysis of eye muscles, facial pain, double vision, a bulging eye, headache.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An imaging study (CT or MRI) will be done to identify the blood clot.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Specialists:
Neurosurgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery

Treatment

Treatment includes: intravenous antibiotics and/or surgical drainage of infection.