9. Altered Mental Status – A Serious Turn in CST
CST has profound implications for the brain, as showcased by another significant symptom – an altered mental status. This can manifest in many ways. Patients might appear confused or disoriented, or demonstrate decreased consciousness. In more severe cases, CST can even result in a coma.
This change in mental status primarily occurs due to the reduced blood flow to the brain, a consequence of the blood clot’s obstruction in the cavernous sinus. Consequently, the brain cells lack sufficient oxygen, leading to the exhibited changes. This symptom usually marks a grave turn in CST, indicative of the disease’s progression into a more serious stage.
In the realm of medicine, changes in a person’s mental status are always treated with the highest level of concern. These changes, especially when abrupt, signal to healthcare providers that something is critically wrong. In the context of CST, they underline the severe nature of the condition and the critical need for medical intervention. (9)
