An innocent itchy eye and headache turned into a life-threatening brain infection for a London teenager. informs . Sophie Bell (17) she suffered approx month with cold-like symptoms, mala daily severe headachesshe complained of being tired and not feeling well. At first she thought it was a common virus.
The turning point came on October 29 when she woke up with an extremely swollen and bulging left eye. At first, the family believed that she had irritated her eye from constant rubbing. Sophie was given antibiotics, but her condition worsened rapidly. Her eye started to fester, her vision worsened and the pain was unbearable. Sophie couldn’t even function in daylight.
After being transferred to a specialized hospital, the doctors confirmed orbital cellulitis, a rare but very dangerous infection around the eye. A common cold turned into a sinus infection, which then spread to the brain. The doctors informed Sophia that her condition is life-threatening and there is a risk of meningitis, paralysis or even death.
An emergency neurosurgical operation followed, which lasted nine hours. The doctors had to remove part of the skullto stop the spread of infection. After the procedure, Sophie was transferred to intensive care unitwhere her condition gradually stabilized. Doctors say about miraculous recovery.
Today, Sophie appeals to the public not to underestimate even seemingly banal symptoms. “I never thought that a simple cold could almost cost me my life. I thought paracetamol would help. If you feel something is wrong, insist on getting checked out. Trust your body.” advises Sophie.
