Pediatric Intracranial Abscess From Sinusitis Leading to Status Epilepticus: A Clinical Case Report

Abstract

This case study presents the rare incidence of an eight-year-old female with a pediatric intracranial abscess, a life-threatening complication of sinusitis. The patient manifested focal neurological deficits and experienced status epilepticus before presenting to the Emergency Department. She had been diagnosed with sinusitis and prescribed amoxicillin one day prior. The case underscores the importance of early recognition and intervention in managing this rare but potentially fatal complication of a common pediatric illness.

Keywords: altered mental status; focal neurological deficits; pediatric intracranial abscess; sinusitis; status epilepticus.

Figure 1. Axial view of brain MRI demonstration small left frontal epidural abscess

Figure 2. Axial, non-contrast MRI three weeks after hospital admission reveals resolving epidural abscess.