Headache and Pain Research

Case Report

Unilateral Retro-orbital Headache Secondary to Septic Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis: A Case Report: Sumin Kim, Sorae Lee, Jun-Sang Sunwoo; Korean J Headache. 2023;24(2):80-83. Published online December 31, 2023

Abstract PDF: Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis (SCST) is a rare but fatal central nervous system infectious disease affecting the cavernous sinuses. Here, we report a case of 51-year-old woman presenting with new-onset unilateral retro-orbital headache lasting for 3 weeks and subsequent ipsilateral abducens nerve palsy. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed enlargement of the cavernous sinus with dural enhancement and ring-enhancing abscess in the adjacent temporal lobe. Although blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures were negative, the patient was successfully treated with empirical antibiotic therapy. Although SCST is a possible cause of painful ophthalmoplegia, it should be kept in mind that in the early stage it may present only with headache without ocular symptoms.

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