Cavernous sinus thrombosis

Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis (CST)[edit | edit source]

Anatomical illustration showing the cavernous sinus in the human brain.

Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis (CST) is a rare but severe condition where a blood clot forms in the cavernous sinus — a cavity at the base of the brain that drains deoxygenated blood from the brain back to the heart.

Types of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis[edit | edit source]

CST can be categorized into two types:

Septic Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis: The more common form, usually caused by an infection.
Aseptic Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis: Less common, often associated with conditions like inflammatory diseases or injuries.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The primary cause of CST is usually an infection spreading from the nose, sinuses, ears, or teeth. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species are often implicated.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of CST can include:

Severe headache
Fever
Visual disturbances
Eye pain and bulging eyes
Swelling around the eyes

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

CT scan of the head, a diagnostic tool used in cases of CST.

Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies like CT or MRI scans of the brain, alongside clinical examination and medical history.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for CST involves:

Antibiotics for bacterial infections
Anticoagulants to prevent further clotting
Possible surgical intervention in severe cases

External Links[edit | edit source]

Cavernous sinus thrombosis Resources
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