Sinus Thrombosis (Venous Sinus Thrombosis) (Sagittal Sinus Thrombosis)

Diagnosing Sinus Thrombosis

Symptoms of sinus thrombosis

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you about any symptoms you are experiencing. Symptoms of venous sinus thrombosis may include:

• Weakness
• Headaches
• Pain in the sinus area
• Pain or pressure in the ear
• Loss of vision, double vision, or blurred vision
• Swelling around the eyes
  

Tests for diagnosing sinus thrombosis

Your doctor also may want you to have imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis. These tests will include:

• CT scan
• MRI scan
• Angiography

Sinus Thrombosis Treatment

Removing clots

Clot removal using catheters and other specialized equipment, antibiotics, and anticoagulation drugs are the main methods used for the treatment of venous sinus thrombosis.

Your physician may recommend one or a combination of these treatments.

High doses of intravenous antibiotics may be used to stop the spread of infection if it is identified as the source of the problem.

People are usually placed on intravenous antibiotics for a minimum of three weeks, because the clot often resists penetration of the antibiotics.

Additional treatments

People with severe symptoms caused by sinus thrombosis can be treated by an endovascular procedure in order to mechanically open the sinus or with the use of medications called thrombolitics.

Some patients may need a ventricular peritoneal shunt procedure to keep the intracranial pressure normalized.