Cavernous sinus thrombosis
Cavernous sinus thrombosis is usually caused by a bacterial infection that spreads from another area of the face or skull.
About 7in every 10 cases are the result of an infection of staphylococcal (staph) bacteria , which can cause:
Most people have one of these conditions before developing cavernous sinus thrombosis. However, boils and sinusitis are common and it's very rarethat they lead to cavernous sinus thrombosis.
In most cases of cavernous sinus thrombosis, a blood clot forms in the cavernous sinuses to try to prevent bacteria spreading further into the body. This is known as thrombosis .
However, the clotusually blocks the flow of blood away from the brain, which increases the pressurein the cavernous sinuses andcan damage the brain, eyes and the nerves running between them.
In addition, the blood clot is often unable to prevent the spread of infection. If the condition is left untreated, the infection can spread through the bloodstream, causing blood poisoning ( sepsis ).
Less commonly,a bloodclot candevelop in the cavernous sinuses, due to:
Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a blood clot in the cavernous sinuses. It can be life-threatening.
The most common initial symptom of cavernous sinus thrombosis is a headache.
Cavernous sinus thrombosis is usually caused by a bacterial infection that spreads from another area of the face or skull.
About 1 in 3 people with cavernous sinus thrombosis die, and many people who survive it go on to develop further problems.