Brain Abscess
A brain abscess is a collection of pus that occurs in the brain because of an infection. In the past, a brain abscess was “invariably fatal,” but progress in diagnosis and treatment has greatly increased the odds of survival. However, it remains a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
Signs and symptoms of a brain abscess
The hallmark signs of a brain abscess are headache, fever, and neurologic difficulties.
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Irritability
- Poor mental focus
- Poor responsiveness
- Slow thought processes
- Muscle weakness
- Speech problems, such as slurred speech
Treatment
Antibiotics (initially cefotaxime or ceftriaxone, plus metronidazole for Bacteroidessp or vancomycinfor Staphylococcus aureus based on suspicion, then as guided by culture and susceptibility testing)
Usually CT-guided stereotactic aspiration or surgical drainage
Sometimes corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, or both