Teen's Cold Led to Eye Popping Out, Brain Surgery

A common cold took a terrifying turn for a 17-year-old London resident, leading to a near-fatal infection. What began as persistent headaches and general unwellness rapidly progressed over a week, confining her to bed.

Upon waking one morning, she discovered her eye had become severely swollen, described as protruding like a golf ball and filled with pus. This alarming symptom prompted immediate medical attention, revealing a dangerous bacterial infection known as orbital cellulitis.

Doctors determined the infection was life-threatening, having spread from her eye area towards her brain. Urgent brain surgery was performed to remove part of her skull and address the infection, ultimately saving her life and preventing potential paralysis.