Can A Maxillary Sinitus Spread To The Brain And What Would Be The Symptoms?

Posted on Mon, 6 Aug 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 6 Aug 2012 Answered on

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : Can a maxillary sinitus spread to the brain and what would the symptoms be?

Answered by Dr. Mayank Bhargava (2 hours later)

Hi,

Thanks for posting your query.

Maxillary sinus is separated from eyes and brain by a very thin bone and untreated maxillary sinusitis may spread to brain.

This is a life threatening condition and patient may be in serious distress.

Patient may have high grade fever with chills, vomiting, severe headache, difficulty in vision, bluured vision, coloured vision, dieoreintation.

In case of doubt, you can go for CT/ MRI scan brain and Lumbar Puncture for confirmation.

Put your query if you have.

Best regards,

Dr. Mayank Bhargava

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mayank Bhargava (5 hours later)

I had a ct scan done, i've just had this infection for weeks, antibiotics didn't work.

Answered by Dr. Mayank Bhargava (1 hour later)

Hi,
You should consult with ENT surgeon as sometimes the ostia of maxillary sinus gets obstructed and another opening has to be made for drainage of maxillary sinus.
Thanks,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mayank Bhargava (1 hour later)

I'm seeing an eye nose and throat specialist today. The ct scan was normal just inflamed sinuses
The ent said I have terrible allergies and put me on steroids to clear the infection up. I am very short of breath and kind of shaky

Answered by Dr. Mayank Bhargava (22 hours later)

Hi,
You should take steroid for a short period of days as prescribed by your ENT surgeon.
Get well soon,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar