Once there, the infection can lead to swelling of the brain, seizures, altered mental state, and vomiting. 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.
What happens if sinus infection goes to brain?
Also in rare cases, sinus infections in the rear center of one's head can spread into the brain. This can lead to life-threatening conditions like meningitis or brain abscess , Dr. Sindwani says. “Before antibiotics, people would die from sinusitis,” he says.
Can an untreated sinus infection go to your brain?
Sinus infections can also spread to the brain, but this is even rarer . It can lead to a brain abscess or meningitis, both of which can be life-threatening. An infection that lingers, gets worse or gets better only to quickly return needs to be treated by a doctor.
Can sinus problems affect your brain?
Brain fog is one of the most common symptoms of chronic sinusitis . Described by patients as a “fuzziness” or inability to focus or remember things clearly. This symptom usually subsides within a few days, but for those with longer-lasting effects, this can quickly become debilitating upon your everyday life.
What is brain infection symptoms?
- 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.
How do you know if a sinus infection is serious?
- Swelling. If you experience swelling around your eyes, this can be a red flag for severe sinusitis. ...
- Pain. When there is excessive pain in your eyes, ears, head or throat, you likely have a severe sinus infection. ...
- Fever. ...
- Feeling Disoriented. ...
- A Persistent Infection.
What are the stages of a sinus infection?
- Acute sinusitis usually starts with cold-like symptoms such as a runny, stuffy nose and facial pain. It may start suddenly and last 2 to 4 weeks.
- Subacute sinusitus usually lasts 4 to 12 weeks.
- Chronic sinusitus symptoms last 12 weeks or longer.
- Recurrent sinusitis happens several times a year.
Can sinusitis turn into meningitis?
Left untreated, a sinus infection has the potential to spread to your meninges (the protective coverings around your brain and spinal cord), causing them to become inflamed — a condition called meningitis. Meningitis gives rise to the following signs and symptoms: Sudden, high-grade fever.
When should you go to the ER for a sinus infection?
Undoubtedly with a sinus infection, there is going to be some pressure and discomfort, but if the pain gets severe , it is time to see a doctor. A sinus infection becomes very serious if there is severe pain in the eyes, throat, ears, or head. The infection can easily spread to create an eye or ear infection.
Can a sinus infection cause a stroke?
Sinus inflammation, located close to your brain, may also put pressure on its arteries, which could disrupt normal blood flow and lead to a stroke .
What happens if sinusitis is left untreated?
When a Sinus Infection Goes Untreated
But if the symptoms linger, then you could be facing rare complications from the ongoing infection: Eyes: The infection can spread to other parts of the face and affect the eyes. You might notice swelling, redness, and vision disruptions. Severe cases could result in blindness.
Can mucus enter your brain?
In rare cases, it can spread to the brain . Normal sinuses are lined with a thin layer of mucus that traps dust, germs and other particles in the air. Tiny hair-like projections in the sinuses sweep the mucus (and whatever is trapped in it) towards openings that lead to the back of the throat.
What is fuzzy brain?
What is brain fog? While it's not a medical term, brain fog describes a feeling that you don't have full mental clarity —maybe you're having trouble remembering something or difficulty focusing on a thought or idea.
Can an infection affect your mind?
Infections can cause short term cognitive impairments which are reversible once the infection is cleared, but they can also lead to long-term cognitive impairments in people who are already on the trajectory toward dementia. In effect, an infection can unmask dementia in people with subtle symptoms.
How long can a brain infection last?
The inflammation of the brain can last from a few days to two or three months . After this, most people find that they make their best recovery from their symptoms within two or three months.
What virus affects the brain?
Encephalitis is most commonly due to viruses, such as herpes simplex, herpes zoster, cytomegalovirus, or West Nile virus . It can occur in the following ways: A virus directly infects the brain. A virus that caused an infection in the past becomes reactivated and directly damages the brain.
Why won't my sinus infection go away with antibiotics?
However, when a lingering sinus infection after antibiotics lasts more than 12 weeks , it's definitely time to see a specialist. If your doctor has treated you with antibiotics, saline, steroid sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants and you're still not better, you've entered into a confusing area.
What are the symptoms of a bacterial sinus infection?
- Pressure or pain around the nose, in the forehead, in the cheeks or around the eyes. The pain often gets worse if the affected person bends forward.
- Discolored, thick nasal discharge.
- Decreased sense of smell and ability to taste.
- Stuffy nose.
- Bad breath.
Can a sinus infection make you dizzy?
Sinusitis can also cause fatigue. You may feel tired as your body tries to fight off the infection. Constant pressure on your sinuses, an irritating cough, and dizziness can also contribute to exhaustion .
What is strongest antibiotic for sinus infection?
Amoxicillin remains the drug of choice for acute, uncomplicated bacterial sinusitis. Amoxicillin is most effective when given frequently enough to sustain adequate levels in the infected tissue. While often prescribed twice daily, it is even more effective if taken in 3 or 4 divided doses.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a sinus infection?
- Get Treatment. ...
- Flush Your Sinuses. ...
- Use a Medicated Over-the-Counter Nasal Spray. ...
- Use a Humidifier. ...
- Use Steam. ...
- Drink Water. ...
- Get Plenty of Rest. ...
- Take Vitamin C.
What is the drug of choice for sinusitis?
The recommended choices are amoxicillin or amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate (Augmentin) for 5 to 10 days. Doxycycline is a good alternative for people with penicillin allergy, followed by levofloxacin or moxifloxacin.
What is frontal sinusitis?
Frontal sinusitis is inflammation or infection of the sinuses located just behind the eyes and in the forehead . The sinuses are a system of connected hollow cavities in the face that contain air and a thin layer of mucus.
What can mimic a sinus infection?
The symptoms of sinusitis are not unique to the disease itself. Other disease processes can mimic sinusitis including the common cold, allergies, migraine headache, chronic daily headache, myofascial pain, temporomandibular joint or jaw pain, rhinitis medicamentosa, and even sleep apnea .
Can sinusitis cause brain swelling?
Once there, the infection can lead to swelling of the brain , seizures, altered mental state, and vomiting. 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.
