From Volume 48, Issue 1, January 2021 | Pages 54-57
Cerebral abscesses of odontogenic origin are uncommon. Cerebral abscesses are often caused by cardiac and pulmonary disease or infections such as skin or abdominal infections. However, there have been some reported incidences of cerebral abscesses caused by odontogenic infection. This paper aims to discuss a case report whereby an odontogenic infection was the most probable cause of a cerebral abscess in a paediatric patient.
Cerebral abscesses secondary to odontogenic infection are rare. Previous publications tend to be case reports of a single patient, such as the example reported by Corson et al in 2001.1 There are three main routes by which a bacterial odontogenic infection can enter the brain: the paranasal sinuses; the oropharynx: and the middle ear.2 A cerebral abscess can be a life-threatening condition, which needs to be managed quickly and efficiently. Diagnosis of a cerebral abscess can be challenging as presentation is variable in patients. Thus, it is important to understand that clinical suspicion is of merit in these situations and can aid a quicker diagnosis.3 Patients commonly present with headaches, nausea/vomiting and fever.3 It has been reported that seizures can occur as well as neck stiffness, speech and vision problems. All of these symptoms are suggestive of focal neurological deficits.3,4
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