Which cranial nerve is likely affected by a cavernous sinus infection?

Which cranial nerve is likely affected by a cavernous sinus infection?

Within the lumen of the cavernous sinuses pass the horizontal segment of the internal carotid artery, the sympathetic plexus and cranial nerve VI (abducens) medially.

What is the most likely pathway of infection to the cavernous sinus in a patient with facial cellulitis?

The most common pathway of spread of OOC infection is through the paranasal sinuses; less common is the spread from premaxillary soft tissues to the orbit [6].

What is the most common cause of CAV sinus thrombosis?

Cavernous sinus thrombosis is usually caused by a bacterial infection that spreads from another area of the face or skull. Many cases are the result of an infection of staphylococcal (staph) bacteria, which can cause: sinusitis – an infection of the small cavities behind the cheekbones and forehead.

How does an infection in the danger triangle of the face spread to the cavernous sinuses causing thrombophlebitis of the cavernous sinuses?

This complex web of veins contains no valves; blood can flow in any direction depending on the prevailing pressure gradients. Since the cavernous sinuses receive blood via this distribution, infections of the face including the nose, tonsils, and orbits can spread easily by this route.

Can cavernous sinus be cured?

Antibiotics are the main treatment for cavernous sinus thrombosis. Treatment will be started as soon as possible, even before tests have confirmed if a bacterial infection is responsible. If tests later show that a bacterial infection did not cause the condition, antibiotic treatment may be stopped.

Which vein spread infection to cavernous sinus?

Infectious cavernous sinus thrombosis results from the progression of facial infections through the facial vein or pterygoid plexus to the cavernous sinus through the superior ophthalmic vein. Sinus and dental infections can also extend into the cavernous sinus.

How are facial veins connected to cavernous sinuses?

The ophthalmic veins drain into the anterior part of the sinus. Emissary veins passing through the foramina in the middle cranial fossa connect the cavernous sinus to the pterygoid plexus of veins and to the facial veins. The superficial middle cerebral vein drains into the cavernous sinus from above.

How long does it take for cavernous sinus thrombosis to develop?

The symptoms of cavernous sinus thrombosis tend to show up about 5 to 10 days after you develop an infection on your face or in your head. Possible symptoms include: severe headache or facial pain, especially around your eyes.

Can sinus infection mess with your eyes?

Sinus infections cause swelling of the sinus cavities in the bones around the nasal passages and the eyes. Swelling and inflammation can cause pressure on the eyes themselves, resulting in vision distortion, eye pain, and blurred vision.

Where does the sixth cranial nerve enter the sinus?

Impaired abduction often indicates an ipsilateral cranial nerve VI lesion. The sixth cranial nerve arises from the pons and courses through the subarachnoid space until it ascends the clivus and enters the cavernous sinus before exiting to the lateral rectus muscle.

Can a sinus infection cause a cranial nerve VI palsy?

The majority of cranial nerve VI palsies that arise from ischemic or idiopathic causes will resolve spontaneously over a course of several months. In this case, the cranial nerve VI palsy was caused by cavernous sinus thrombosis secondary to extension of a pre-existing sinus infection.

Can a sinus infection lead to cavernous thrombosis?

Although it is somewhat unusual for patients with cavernous sinus thrombosis to present with a mononeuropathy instead of multiple cranial nerve deficits, cavernous sinus thrombosis should be suspected in any patient complaining of a unilateral headache and horizontal diplopia, particularly in the setting of a sinus or dental infection. TH

What is the medical term for cavernous sinus syndrome?

Cavernous sinus syndrome (CSS) is a condition caused by any pathology involving the cavernous sinus which may present as a combination of unilateral ophthalmoplegia (cranial nerves (CN) III, IV, VI), autonomic dysfunction (Horner syndrome) or sensory trigeminal (V1-V2) loss. The venous drainage system of the head and face have a unique anatomy.