Man, 22, Dies After Tongue-Piercing Causes Brain Abscesses

They may seem cool to teenagers and young adults, but having your tongue pierced can be deadly, BBC News reported.

A 22-year-old man died of multiple brain abscesses just weeks after piercing his tongue, according to a report in the Archives of Neurology.

According to doctors, an infection can spread from the site of the piercing and go up to the brain.

"Dentists are all too aware of the health problems that can be caused by oral piercings," said Professor Damien Walmsley, a scientific adviser to the British Dental Association. "There are many potential complications, ranging from pain and swelling to chipped or cracked teeth. Patients who have oral piercings can also suffer with recession of the gums and prolonged bleeding.

"Piercing of oral sites also carries with it a risk of infection. The clear message is that oral piercing is ill-advised and should be avoided."

Click here to read more about this story from BBC News.

Click here to read the report in Archives of Neurology.