Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
06:59

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation

Published on: February 29, 2020

Cerebellar brain abscess associated with tongue piercing

Richard A Martinello1, Elizabeth L Cooney

  • 1Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA. richard.martinello@yale.edu

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|January 11, 2003
PubMed

Insights

A tongue piercing infection led to a rare cerebellar brain abscess in a healthy adult. This case highlights the potential risks of oral piercings and the importance of monitoring local infections.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Brain abscesses are rare but serious infections.
  • Oral piercings are increasingly common, presenting potential risks.
  • Cerebellar abscesses are particularly uncommon locations for such infections.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy adult developed a solitary cerebellar abscess.
  • The abscess was diagnosed four weeks after a tongue piercing procedure.
  • The tongue piercing site had an apparent local infection.

Findings:

  • Cultures from the abscess identified the causative pathogen.
  • The clinical timeline and infection source strongly implicated the tongue piercing.
  • No other potential sources for the infection were identified.

Implications:

  • This case suggests a potential link between tongue piercings and brain abscesses.
  • Healthcare providers should consider oral piercings as a potential source of infection.
  • Prompt recognition and management of local infections after oral piercing are crucial to prevent severe complications.

More Related Videos

Surgical Treatment of an Endolymphatic Sac Tumor04:34

Surgical Treatment of an Endolymphatic Sac Tumor

Published on: May 26, 2023

The Flexible Rhino-Laryngoscope for Awake Nasotracheal Intubation03:58

The Flexible Rhino-Laryngoscope for Awake Nasotracheal Intubation

Published on: August 2, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Oral Cavity01:11

Oral Cavity

The oral cavity, or the mouth, is a complex structure in humans that plays a vital role in our day-to-day lives. Its role is not only in chewing and swallowing food; it also plays a role in speech and facial expressions.
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...