Dr. Monty V. Trimble, MD, an otolaryngologist at Dallas Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, has highlighted the potential risks associated with severe sinus infections. In an Instagram post, he said that such infections can lead to inflammation, which may increase the risk of rare complications like stroke.
“Severe or long-lasting sinus infections can sometimes trigger inflammation and swelling in the blood vessels close to the brain,” said Monty V. Trimble, MD, Otolaryngologist, according to Instagram. “This can potentially lead to rare but serious conditions such as cavernous sinus thrombosis. Chronic inflammation in the body has been associated with an increased likelihood of cardiovascular issues, including stroke. These complications highlight the need for proper treatment of sinus infections to minimize possible health risks.”
A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Neurology reviewed clinical data and found a significant association between chronic rhinosinusitis and an increased risk of ischemic stroke. The study suggested that persistent inflammation from sinusitis might contribute to endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis had a hazard ratio of 1.34 for ischemic stroke compared to those without the condition, even after adjusting for comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes.
According to a 2024 study published in Diagnostics, brain MRI scans of patients who had experienced an ischemic stroke revealed that 18.4% had coexisting chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a prevalence higher than that observed in the general population. The study reported a statistically significant correlation between inflammation in specific sinuses—particularly the frontal, ethmoid, and sphenoid—and the side of the stroke. These findings suggest a potential anatomical association between CRS and stroke occurrence.
Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is one of the more severe risks associated with sinus infections. It is a life-threatening condition typically caused by the spread of infection (most often Staphylococcus aureus) to a large vein at the base of the brain. CST generally affects younger adults, with a slight female predominance, and presents with symptoms such as headache, fever, vision changes, and neurological deficits. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical and usually involve intravenous antibiotics and sometimes surgical drainage.
Trimble is a board-certified otolaryngologist providing comprehensive ear, nose, and throat care in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Texas A&M University and obtained his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He completed his residency training in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics. Since 2011, Trimble has performed over 500 in-office Balloon Sinuplasty procedures to treat chronic sinusitis.
