A case of Foix syndrome with temporomandibular joint disturbance as an initial manifestation

A 68-year-old male presenting with impairment of mouth opening and pain of the right temporomandibular joint (TMJ) was clinically diagnosed as having TMJ arthrosis.Although the patient was treated with drugs and an occlusal splint, the pain increased.Stellate ganglion block was ineffective. As facial swelling and opening disturbance of the right eye appeared, he was referred to the neurosurgery department. Based on CT and neurological findings, he was diagnosed as having the cavernous sinus syndrome, especially Foix syndrome. Soon after administration of steroids and antibiotics, the ocular and TMJ condition improved. This is a rare case in which TMJ disturbance was an initial manifestation of the cavernous sinus syndrome.