Brain or Spinal Infections

Expert Diagnosis & Rehabilitation | Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

Brain and spinal infections are serious neurological conditions caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. At Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we provide expert diagnosis, symptom management, and specialist rehabilitation for individuals affected by these infections, supporting recovery and long-term outcomes.

What Are Brain or Spinal Infections?

These infections affect the central nervous system (CNS)—which includes the brain and spinal cord—and can lead to life-threatening complications if not promptly treated. The most common types include:

• Spinal abscess or discitis – infection in the spinal canal or discs.
• Meningitis – inflammation of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord.
• Encephalitis – inflammation of the brain tissue.
• Brain abscess – a pocket of infection in the brain.

Common Causes

• Bacterial infections (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus)
• Viral infections (e.g., Herpes Simplex Virus, West Nile Virus)
• Fungal or parasitic infections (less common, often in immunocompromised individuals)
• Post-surgical or post-trauma infections involving the CNS

Symptoms of Brain or Spinal Infections

Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the infection but may include:

• Back pain or tenderness over the spine
• Severe headache
• Neck stiffness
• Fever and chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Confusion or altered consciousness
• Seizures
• Muscle weakness or paralysis
• Difficulty walking or loss of coordination

Who Is at Risk?

Individuals at higher risk include:

• People with weakened immune systems
• Patients with recent CNS surgery or injury
• Those with chronic illnesses or infections
• Individuals who have travelled to areas where certain infections are more common

Diagnosis & Treatment

Timely diagnosis is essential and may involve:

• MRI or CT imaging
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
• Blood tests or cultures
• Neurological assessment

Treatment typically includes:

• Specialist rehabilitation for motor and cognitive recovery
• Intravenous antibiotics or antivirals
• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Surgical drainage for abscesses

Neurological Rehabilitation at Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

Our hospital offers tailored neuro-rehabilitation services for patients recovering from brain or spinal infections, focusing on:

• Return-to-work and community reintegration programmes
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Cognitive and speech rehabilitation
• Pain and symptom management
• Psychological support

Why Choose Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Neurological and spinal rehabilitation specialists
• On-site multidisciplinary care team
• Customised inpatient and outpatient programmes
• State-of-the-art rehabilitation technology
• Comprehensive support for complex cases

Our Resident Neurologist

Dr Weatherall is very welcoming and highly experienced. He offers his patients sound diagnosis and treatment, along with individual care focused on their future health.

Dr Mark Weatherall

Consultant Neurologist

Field