How to Spot Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome Symptoms

Tolosa-Hunt syndrome manifests itself by inflammation within the cavernous sinus, located behind the eyes. It initiates intense pain in the eye and damaged facial nerves as well as superior orbital fissure inflammation. It affects both females and males equally and appears in people about 20 years old. Symptoms usually affect only one side of the head.

Instructions

• 1

  Monitor the degree and location of the pain. The pain frequently described as intense can cause paralysis of the muscles near the eye. This symptom usually subsides without any medical intervention and can reoccur, randomly, at any time.

• 2

  Watch for other signs and symptoms including fever, fatigue, double vision, vertigo, headaches and pain in the joints. If any of these symptoms occur, you should contact your physician.

• 3

  Pay attention to the symptoms of drooping eyelids, forehead tingling and numbness due to the sinus inflammation. The inability to control eye movements may cause double vision and light sensitivity.

• 4

  Find a physician who has expertise in treating neurological conditions. Make sure you supply complete medical history and information upon consultation with your physician. This information enables an accurate assessment, treatment plan and follow-up.

• 5

  Prepare to undergo a contrast enhanced MRI. This test allows your physician to see the inflammation called a "granuloma" indicative of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome. These respond very well to corticosteroid therapy.