Injury to the nose increases risk of bacteria entering the brain – study. New research from
So, yes, an sinus infection can (rarely) go to your brain, but here's the thing: It almost never comes out of nowhere, and it always causes symptoms—like an extremely severe headache.
It is commonly called the “brain-eating ameba” because it can cause a brain infection when water containing the ameba goes up the nose. Only about three people in the United States get infected each year, but these infections are usually fatal. Initial symptoms can include headache, fever, nausea, or vomiting.
Bacteria and other infectious organisms can reach the brain and meninges in several ways: By being carried by the blood. By entering the brain directly from the outside (for example, through a skull fracture or during surgery on the brain) By spreading from nearby infected structures, such as the sinuses or middle ear.
Bacteria: The bacteria most likely to lead to a bacterial brain infection in the United States include Streptococcus pneumoniae, group B Streptococcus, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae ,and Listeria monocytogenes.
A cerebral abscess is an infection in your brain. It is a medical emergency that requires treatment right away. Symptoms can include headache, fever, changes in consciousness, confusion, neck stiffness, vomiting, seizures, weakness, trouble moving, and changes in vision.
The most common route of transmission is through hematogenous spread. Others gain access to the CNS via direct spread from local infectious foci, after head trauma or neurosurgery, or during vaginal delivery from untreated GBS-colonized mothers.
Bacteria can invade the meninges from the bloodstream through the choroid plexuses or directly through the microvessels of the leptomeninges and/or the brain parenchyma. In the case of crossing from parenchyma vessels, bacteria are drained to the subarachnoid space through the glymphatic pathway.
If you have a tooth abscess, you could develop meningitis. This life-threatening condition occurs when the membranes near the spinal cord and the brain become inflamed. This bacterial infection could spread to the bloodstream and surround your brain and spinal cord. Meningitis could require extensive hospitalization.
Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) is an infection of both your nasal cavity and sinuses. It is caused by bacteria. ABRS sets in when your nasal cavity and sinuses first become inflamed from another cause, often a viral infection. You might have symptoms, such as face pain and fever.
The nasal passages are an important habitat for clinically relevant pathobionts (commensal bacteria that can cause disease in healthy hosts), e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis, and are an important site of viral infections [1,2].
The section of your face from the bridge of your nose to the corners of your mouth is sometimes known as the “danger triangle of the face,” or even the “triangle of death.” And it's one place where you should never pop a pimple, as it can lead to an infection in your brain.
Are sinus infections contagious? “Because many times sinus infections are caused by viruses, they can be contagious like other infections, such as colds,” Melinda said. “If you have a sinus infection, it's important to use good hygiene skills.
Naegleria fowleri causes PAM, a brain infection that destroys brain tissue. In its early stages, symptoms of PAM may be similar to symptoms of bacterial meningitis. The first symptoms of PAM usually start about 5 days after infection, but they can start within 1 to 12 days.
Routine contrast-enhanced brain MRI is the most sensitive modality for the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis because it helps detect the presence and extent of inflammatory changes in the meninges, as well as complications.
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain, most commonly caused by a viral infection. The main causes of viral encephalitis are: Herpes viruses, particularly herpes simplex virus. Arboviruses, particularly West Nile virus.
Mild cases of encephalitis are usually short and result in a full recovery. However, despite improvements in diagnosis and treatment, encephalitis still leads to death in about 10% of patients.
Blood tests and culture
Some blood test results, such as a very high white blood cell count, may help with diagnosing a severe infection, including meningitis. A doctor may also order bloodwork to test for other issues, such as poisoning or dangerous changes in blood glucose.
A CT of the brain may be performed to assess the brain for tumors and other lesions, injuries, intracranial bleeding, structural anomalies (e.g., hydrocephalus , infections, brain function or other conditions), particularly when another type of examination (e.g., X-rays or a physical exam) are inconclusive.
Several types of bacteria can first cause an upper respiratory tract infection and then travel through the bloodstream to the brain. The disease can also occur when certain bacteria invade the meninges directly. Bacterial meningitis can cause stroke, hearing loss, and permanent brain damage.