Cavernous sinus syndrome: A cavernous sinus thrombosis is a blood clot within the cavernous sinus, a large channel of venous blood in a cavity bordered by the sphenoid bone and the temporal bone of the skull.
The cavernous sinus is an important structure because of its location and its contents which include the third cranial (oculomotor) nerve, the fourth cranial (trochlear) nerve, parts 1 (the ophthalmic nerve) and 2 (the maxillary nerve) of the fifth cranial (trigeminal) nerve, and the sixth cranial (abducens) nerve.
A thrombosis (clot) in this key crossroads causes the cavernous sinus syndrome which is characterized by edema (swelling) of the eyelids and the conjunctivae of the eyes and paralysis of the cranial nerves which course through the cavernous sinus.
Cavernous sinus syndrome is defined by its resultant signs and symptoms: ophthalmoplegia, chemosis, proptosis, Horner syndrome, or trigeminal sensory loss.
The cavernous sinus area is located within the head and contains an artery, the pituitary gland, two sinuses and five nerves. And they are all housed within a tiny ...
Cavernous Sinus Syndrome: Clinical Features and Differential Diagnosis with MR Imaging Jeong Hyun Lee 1, Ho Kyu Lee 1, Ji Kang Park 2, Choong Gon Choi 1 and Dae Chul Suh 1
The cavernous sinus is a small but complex structure consisting of a venous plexus, the carotid artery, cranial nerves, and sympathetic fibers.
Medical advice and treatment by a neurologist and/or an ophthalmologist should factor into any effort to successfully manage cavernous sinus syndrome. The reason for ...