DEFINITION
The brain abscess is a localized accumulation of pus in the
brain.
CAUSE
Brain abscesses are rare and may result from:
·
The spread of infection in other parts of the
head (eg teeth, nose or ears)
·
Penetrating head injury to the brain
·
Infection in other parts of the body, which is
spread through the blood
SYMPTOMS
A brain abscess can cause a variety of symptoms, depending
on the location, such as headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness,
seizures, personality changes and other symptoms of brain dysfunction.
DIAGNOSIS
CT scan or MRI may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
Biopsy can be performed to determine the cause of the
abscess organisms.
TREATMENT
Brain abscesses can cause death unless treated promptly in
accordance with the cause. MRI or CT scan examinations will be repeated every 2
weeks to monitor response to therapy.
If the abscess does not shrink, then the abscess must be
removed through a needle aspiration or open surgery to remove an abscess as a
whole. Large abscess usually needs to be removed.
REFERENCE
- G, John E. Abscesses of the Brain. Merck Manual Home
Health Handbook. 2013.
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