A woman began leaking brain fluid leading to a life-threatening infection after a COVID-19 nasal test, officials report.
The woman, in her 40s, had received a nasal swab test before an elective hernia surgery. The swab reportedly punctured her brain lining, causing fluid to leak from her nose and potentially putting her in danger of an infection, said Jarret Walsh, an otolaryngologist, in the medical journal JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
Walsh said that she developed a headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, and an aversion to light.
The patient alleged had an undiagnosed health condition called encephalocele, which is caused by skull bones not closing completely, and potentially received an incorrectly administered test. She has since recovered.
🔦 Doctors stress that those with sinus or skull surgery should opt for an oral COVID-19 test if possible.
