Can ear infection cause brain damage?

While an ear infection itself does not directly cause brain damage, severe complications can lead to brain damage in rare cases. The most significant complication is meningitis, a serious infection of the membranes that line the brain and spinal cord. Bacteria can spread from the ear to the meninges, causing inflammation and potentially leading to brain damage if not promptly treated.

Another potential complication is an epidural abscess, a collection of pus between the skull and the dura mater (the outermost membrane covering the brain). This can cause pressure on the brain and lead to neurological complications.

While these severe complications are rare, it's essential to seek prompt medical attention for symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion, or seizures, which may indicate a serious ear infection or related complications.