2. Redness of the Eye: The Unmistakable Sign
Redness of the eyes, medically termed conjunctival injection, is another hallmark sign of CST. This symptom often develops as the blood clot in the cavernous sinus impinges on the nerves supplying the face and eye. As these nerves become compromised, they induce inflammatory changes in the eyes, leading to a noticeable redness.
The redness of the eyes in CST often goes beyond typical instances of conjunctivitis or “pink eye.” The redness tends to be more pronounced, affecting a significant portion of the white area of the eyes (sclera). It may also be accompanied by pain and tenderness around the affected eye, further differentiating it from common eye infections.
Furthermore, this ocular redness tends to be unresponsive to regular over-the-counter eye drops used to soothe red eyes, adding to the growing list of reasons for a thorough investigation.
A fundamental aspect of CST is its ability to present with symptoms affecting multiple body systems, necessitating a holistic approach when it comes to its diagnosis. As such, eye redness, when presented alongside severe, localized headaches and other symptoms, should raise a red flag for possible CST occurrence.
To recapitulate, ocular redness associated with CST is more intense, often associated with tenderness and unresponsive to conventional soothing methods. Recognizing these specifics can guide towards a faster CST diagnosis, particularly when other pertinent symptoms coexist. (2)
