Answer:

The cavernous sinuses are venous spaces at the base of the skull. They drain blood from the face, eye sockets, and brain. These two sinuses are located on either side of the pituitary gland, near the eye sockets and skull base, collecting blood from the brain and eyes to return it to the central circulatory system.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis is a critical condition arising from inflammation in the cavernous sinus, causing venous blockage and blood clot formation. This condition frequently stems from sinusitis, as infections readily spread from nearby areas like the nose, ears, or teeth, given the cavernous sinus's connections to facial and other sinuses. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to lasting neurological damage and endanger life.

Doctor Hang advises a patient. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

When infection reaches the cavernous sinus, blood clots form in veins, obstructing blood flow. This region contains vital structures: oculomotor nerves (3, 4, 5), V1-V2 nerve branches, and the internal carotid artery. Inflammation and blockage quickly lead to oculomotor disorders, drooping eyelids, double vision, reduced facial sensation, and severe pain around or behind the eyes. Infected clots may spread to the meninges, causing meningitis, brain abscess, increased intracranial pressure, and altered consciousness if not treated promptly. Doctors typically treat the disease with high-dose intravenous antibiotics, anticoagulants, and surgical intervention to eliminate the infection source from the ears, paranasal sinuses, or teeth.

To prevent cavernous sinus thrombosis, individuals with rhinosinusitis or otitis media should seek medical evaluation early if they develop symptoms such as: pain in the forehead around the eyes, persistent nasal congestion, foul discharge, fever, increasing headache, blurred vision, earache, or hearing loss. If signs like eye swelling, redness, double vision, drooping eyelids, high fever, or vomiting appear, patients must go to the hospital immediately.

Master, Specialist Doctor Tran Thi Thuy Hang

Head of ENT Department

ENT Center

Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City