Table of Contents
Can a gum infection spread to your brain?
A dental abscess can also travel to the brain, leading to the development of another abscess. If the infection reaches your brain, it can be life-threatening.
Can dental infection cause brain infection?
There are 3 main ways a brain abscess can develop. These are: an infection in another part of the skull – such as an ear infection, sinusitis or dental abscess, which can spread directly into the brain.
Can dental work cause brain abscess?
Most odontogenic brain abscesses occur following dental treatment such as periodontal therapy and the extraction of infected teeth as the integrity of the vascular endothelium is breached. The fact that dental procedures frequently cause bacteraemia and extraoral infections is well documented.
What is the most common cause of a brain abscess?
A brain abscess is usually caused by infection with either bacteria or fungi. If the immune system is unable to kill an infection, it will try to limit its spread by using healthy tissue to form an abscess, to stop the pus infecting other tissue.
What are the signs of a brain infection?
What are the symptoms of a brain abscess?
- differences in mental processes, such as increased confusion, decreased responsiveness, and irritability.
- decreased speech.
- decreased sensation.
- decreased movement due to loss of muscle function.
- changes in vision.
- changes in personality or behavior.
- vomiting.
- fever.
What is the most common early symptom of a brain abscess?
Share on Pinterest Headache is a common symptom of a brain abscess. A seizure may be the first sign of an abscess. Nausea and vomiting tend to occur as pressure builds inside the brain. Pain usually starts on the side of the abscess, and it may begin slowly or suddenly.
Can antibiotics cure brain infection?
Antibiotics given through a vein, as well as medications for fever and headache, are used in the treatment of brain infections.
How do I know if my tooth abscess is spreading?
Some indications that the infection has begun to spread
- Puffiness of the jaw area around the tooth.
- Soreness of the tooth and surrounding areas.
- Facial swelling on the side of the infected tooth.
- Fever or elevated body temperature.
- Headaches, migraines or ear aches.
How can you tell if you have a brain infection?
CT and MRI scans can also be used to diagnose a brain abscess. In some cases, your doctor may need to perform a lumbar puncture, or spinal tap. This involves the removal of a small amount of cerebral spinal fluid to test for any problems other than an infection.
How do you diagnose a brain abscess?
How is a cerebral abscess diagnosed?
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan of your head.
- Blood tests to look for signs of germs and other signs of infection.
- Tests of a sample from the abscess to determine the cause of your infection.
How do you tell if an infection has spread to the brain?
Symptoms you should watch for are:
- differences in mental processes, such as increased confusion, decreased responsiveness, and irritability.
- decreased speech.
- decreased sensation.
- decreased movement due to loss of muscle function.
- changes in vision.
- changes in personality or behavior.
- vomiting.
- fever.
What are the symptoms of a brain infection?