Brain Abscess

Brain abscess is a focal, suppurative, space-occupying collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, arising from contiguous spread (otitis/sinusitis/mastoiditis), hematogenous spread, or trauma/surgery. Clinical: fever, headache, nausea/vomiting, focal neurologic deficits, seizures, and altered mental status. Diagnosis: CT/MRI with ring enhancement. Treatment: IV antibiotics plus neurosurgical drainage/aspiration, and manage raised intracranial pressure; prognosis is better with prompt treatment.

Common Symptoms

Fever; headache; vomiting; focal neurologic deficits; seizures; altered mental status; ring-enhancing lesion on CT/MRI

Causes and Pathogenesis

Bacterial/fungal infection seeds the brain (contiguous/hematogenous/traumatic), forming a focal encapsulated pus collection with mass effect.

Treatment

IV antibiotics; neurosurgical drainage/aspiration; manage raised ICP; treat source; seizure prophylaxis

Preventive Measures

Treat otitis/sinusitis promptly; sterile trauma management; prompt antibiotics for bacteremia.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Neurosurgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.