Abstract

Odontogenic infections may spread from a contiguous focus, haematogenously, or through a surgical event, then cause more serious systemic infections. The classic clinical triad of a brain abscess is fever, headache, and focal neurologic deficit, but this occurs in only around 20 % of cases. Abscesses that involve posterior cranial fossa carry a risk of acute brainstem compression
and the development of hydrocephalus, and may require emergency surgery. Diagnosis is made with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Once the dental aetiology is diagnosed, dental treatment must be provided as soon as the patient is stable. In this case, a patient presented with the classic clinical triad, but had no risk factors for brain abscess development. Clues points towards the infection source, and CT findings, indicated bone and subcutaneous tissue involvement, which made the possibility of malignant glioma or metastasis a possibility. Emergency surgery, antibacterial treatment, and tooth extraction cured the patient.