Intracranial complications of nasal infection have decreased, and the death rate has also fallen because of the development of antibiotics and CT scanning. However, some recent reports show that intracranial complications of nasal infections are increasing in number.
Our patient, a 15-year-old male, had a high fever and severe headache, and 3 days later he started vomiting. He was admitted and examined immediately. Physical examination and serologic tests showed bacterial meningitis, and CT scans showed frontal sinusitis and subdural abscess. Broadspectrum antibiotics were administered, but his symptoms were not reduced, so frontal sinus surgery was performed. Mucosal inflammation and suppurative discharge were found. Eleven days later the intracranial abscess was drained. After few weeks his condition had improved, and he was discharged without any complications.
Previous reports and our case suggest that there is a high incidence of intracranial complications of nasal infection in young males. Therefore, in young male patients with paranasal sinusitis, immediate diagnosis and treatment are necessary if intracranial complications are suspected.