Dangerous Area of Face (Danger Triangle of Face)

-The area from the corners of the mouth to the bridge of the nose, including the nose and maxilla.

Importance-Facial vein communicates with the cavernous sinus through emissary vein. Due to lack of valve(s) in the veins draining the area, retrograde spread of infection can reach the cranial cavity causing Cavernous sinus thrombosis, Meningitis, Brain abscess.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis:
Clinical features
Orbital symptoms– Painful swelling of the eye(periorbital oedema), Ptosis, chemosis, proptosis, photophobia & gradual loss of vision,
Cranial Nerve involvement– III, IV, V₁, V₂ & VI cranial nerve palsies- the VI CN(Abducens nerve) is the 1st nerve to be involved as it lies in the centre of the cavernous sinus while others lie in the lateral wall.
-The infection from the sinus of one side can spread quickly to the opposite side via intercavernous sinuses.

Middle cranial fossa– the temporal lobe lies in the middle cranial fossa.
Sella turcica– Pituitary gland lies here & is linked to Hypothalamus via