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Sixth nerve palsy and sphenoidal sinusitis

A F Mubaidin1, M A Hairi

  • 1Department of Neurology, King Hussein Medical Centre, PO Box 926442, Amman 11110, Jordan. Tel. 585 6856. E-mail. Anoud@hotmail.com.

Neurosciences (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
|November 27, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Sphenoid sinusitis, a rare sinus infection, can cause serious neurological issues like vision problems. This case highlights the importance of recognizing its potential complications, such as sixth nerve palsy.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Sphenoid sinusitis is an uncommon condition, representing about 3% of acute sinusitis cases.
  • It often occurs with pansinusitis but can manifest in isolation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a case of sphenoid sinusitis presenting with neurological complications.
  • To emphasize the diagnostic and clinical considerations for this rare condition.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 30-year-old male with a three-week history of headache, blurry vision, and diplopia.
  • Neurological examination revealed bilateral sixth nerve palsy.
  • Brain MRI confirmed pansinusitis, including sphenoid sinusitis.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with symptoms indicative of increased intracranial pressure and cranial nerve involvement.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed extensive pansinusitis with sphenoid sinusitis.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis ruled out meningitis.

Conclusions:

  • Sphenoid sinusitis, though rare, can lead to significant neurological deficits.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent severe complications.
  • This case underscores the need for considering sinus infections in the differential diagnosis of neurological symptoms.

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