Post-Fever Symptoms: Ear Ringing and Brain Damage Risks

Q: Post-Fever Symptoms: Ear Ringing and Brain Damage Risks

Hello： 1. <br>Is it possible that the situation involved a fever exceeding 41 degrees Celsius, and under the condition of being covered with thick blankets, the high temperature caused brain damage, which led to the onset of tinnitus? A： Hearing should be assessed for any damage.

Follow-up on sequelae after fever?

Hello, doctor.
Thank you for addressing the issue of tinnitus after fever in your previous response to #144833! In addition to the tinnitus question, I would like to ask: 1.
Could the fever have exceeded 41 degrees Celsius, and with the thick blanket covering me, could the high temperature have caused brain damage, leading to the tinnitus after this fever? 2.
If there was indeed brain damage due to the high temperature, what kind of sequelae could occur, and what tests can be conducted to determine this? Here is a recap of the fever situation mentioned in #144833: I had removed a chalazion from my upper eyelid, and possibly due to unclean hands, I rubbed my eyes.
The next morning, I started to have a fever.
At that time, there was no one at home, and I couldn't find a thermometer.
I felt very tired and wanted to sleep, and I was also feeling cold, so I covered myself with a thick blanket to sleep.
This happened around June of last year, and I didn't turn on the air conditioning.
I slept until the afternoon and started to sweat, then switched to a thinner blanket, and by evening, the fever subsided.
Thank you, doctor!

A Yan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/04/01

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello: 1.
Is it possible that the situation involved a fever exceeding 41 degrees Celsius, and under the condition of being covered with thick blankets, the high temperature caused brain damage, which led to the onset of tinnitus? A: Hearing should be assessed for any damage.
2.
If brain damage did occur due to the high temperature, what kind of sequelae might arise, and what tests can identify this? A: Hearing and brainstem function tests can be conducted.
It is recommended that you consult with an otolaryngologist and a neurologist to discuss examinations and treatment.
Wishing you good health, peace, and happiness.
Dr.
Jiang from Shen Nei cares about you.

Reply Date: 2019/04/01

More Info

Thank you for your inquiry regarding the potential risks associated with high fever and subsequent symptoms such as tinnitus (ear ringing). Your concerns are valid, especially considering the circumstances surrounding your fever and the symptoms that followed. Let's break down your questions for clarity.

1. Could a high fever (over 41 degrees Celsius) and being covered with thick blankets cause brain damage, leading to tinnitus?
High fever, particularly when it exceeds 41 degrees Celsius (approximately 105.8 degrees Fahrenheit), can indeed pose risks to the body, including the brain. Prolonged exposure to such high temperatures can lead to a condition known as hyperthermia, which can cause cellular damage. In extreme cases, this can result in neurological complications. However, the brain is quite resilient, and while high fevers can lead to complications, they do not always result in permanent damage.
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be a symptom of various conditions, including viral infections, which may accompany fever. In your case, if the fever was indeed high and prolonged, it could have contributed to auditory nerve irritation or inflammation, leading to the perception of ringing in the ears.
2. If there was brain damage due to high fever, what potential sequelae could arise, and what tests could identify them?
If brain damage were to occur due to high fever, potential sequelae could include cognitive impairments, memory issues, or persistent neurological symptoms such as tinnitus. However, it is essential to note that not all cases of high fever lead to such outcomes.
To assess any potential damage, a healthcare provider may recommend several diagnostic tests:
- MRI or CT Scan: These imaging tests can help visualize any structural changes in the brain that may have occurred due to high fever or other underlying conditions.

- Auditory Tests: An audiologist can perform tests to evaluate hearing function and determine if there is any damage to the auditory pathways.

- Neurological Examination: A thorough examination by a neurologist can help assess cognitive function, reflexes, and other neurological signs that may indicate damage.

In conclusion, while high fevers can pose risks, the likelihood of significant brain damage leading to symptoms like tinnitus is relatively low, especially if the fever was managed effectively and did not persist for an extended period. However, it is crucial to monitor your symptoms and consult with a healthcare professional if they persist or worsen. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation and recommend appropriate tests to ensure your health and well-being.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. Your health is important, and seeking professional guidance is always a wise choice.

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