Cavernous sinus thrombosis - Symptoms of cavernous sinus thrombosis

The most common initial symptom of a cavernous sinus thrombosis is a headache. 

This usually develops as a sharp pain located behind or around the eyes that steadily gets worse over time.

Symptoms often start within five to 10 days of developing an infection in the face or skull, such as sinusitis or a boil.

It can be several days or even weeks before additional symptoms develop after the headache starts.

The eyes

In most cases of cavernous sinus thrombosis, the eyes are affected. You may experience:

• swelling and bulging of the eyes – this normally starts in one eye and spreads to the other eye within 24 to 48 hours 
• redness of the eyes
• eye pain, which can be severe
• vision problems, such as double vision or blurred vision
• difficulty moving the eyes
• drooping of the eyelids

Other symptoms

Other symptoms of cavernous sinus thrombosis include:

• a high temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above
• being sick (vomiting)
• seizures (fits)
• changes in your mental state, such as feeling very confused

These usually occur if cavernous sinus thrombosis is left untreated or if an infection causing the condition spreads throughout the body.

Without treatment, most people with cavernous sinus thrombosis will become increasingly drowsy and eventually fall into a coma.

When to seek medical advice

You should always contact your GP if you are experiencing a persistent and severe headache that you have never had before.

While it is highly unlikely to be the result of a cavernous sinus thrombosis, a persistent headache is a symptom that usually requires further investigation.

You should also contact your GP if you develop any of the symptoms affecting the eyes that are described above.