Neurosurgeon explains how the disease affects the brain; abscess, meningitis and thrombosis are among the consequences
A 19-year-old university student died after suffering complications from sinusitis, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the sinuses. The case took place in June, in the UK.
According to the tabloid ‘Daily Mail’, University of Liverpool biochemistry student Harvey Edwards sought a medical emergency on the last 6 day. At the time he was feeling unwell with symptoms of sinusitis and the medical team prescribed him antibiotics to treat inflammation.
It didn’t help. Previously described as healthy, Edwards deteriorated and went to hospital on the 13th. In the health unit, doctors did an MRI scan and identified that he had a brain hemorrhage. Therefore, they decided to put the student into a drug-induced coma to relieve the brain pressure, but the treatment didn’t go well.
The publication points out that Edwards suffered a stroke and the family decided to switch off the devices on the 28th, as there was no possibility of keeping him alive.
Does sinusitis kill?
Edwards’ cause of death has not been confirmed, although friends and family say he was suffering from symptoms of sinusitis. In general, the disease has a low potential for death and, if identified and treated early, usually does not get worse.
“However, in the most severe cases, when there is a delay in diagnosis or treatment is not performed correctly, there is a risk of more serious complications that can lead to death,” reflects neurosurgeon Felipe Mendes, a member of the Brazilian Society of Neurosurgery.
To the Earth, explains that some people can have severe cases of the disease, with intracranial, extracranial, and systemic complications. “All sinusitis that does not improve even with the use of several antibiotics or that is accompanied by symptoms such as visual impairment, swelling in the jaw region or in the eyes, as well as neurological disorders, such as headache without improvement, seizures, the altered mental status, excessive sleepiness, and the onset of weakness or altered sensation on one side of the body can be considered potentially serious and require immediate medical evaluation,” he warns.
How does sinusitis affect the brain?
Mendes points out that the “most feared” complications involve the nervous system. This is the case of the brain abscess, characterized by an accumulation of pus in the brain, usually caused by a bacterial infection; meningitis, which is an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord; and venous sinus thrombosis, the name given to blockages of blood circulation caused by inflammation in important veins of the brain.
In addition to causing death, these complications can affect the ability to move, speech, behavior and cognition of the individual affected by this condition. Mendes adds that there are still complications related to the visual or auditory part. When the disease becomes systemic, sepsis can also occur, with the risk of multiple organ failure.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
