Intracranial infections, such as meningitis, encephalitis, and brain abscesses, may cause headache, nausea, fever, neck stiffness, and changes in neurological state (e.g., confusion, reduced consciousness). These serious brain infections may be caused by fungal, parasitic, viral, or bacterial causes. Thankfully, vaccines exist for many of these potential causes. People that have weakened immune systems (e.g., following an organ transplant) are at a higher risk for contracting intracranial infections. Headache due to infection usually resolves once the infection is treated. In rare cases, intracranial infection headache can become chronic and require ongoing management.
Further information
Encephalitis – Brain Foundation
Meningitis – Brain Foundation
