Brain Abscess is also known as a Cerebral Abscess and caused by collection of infected materials originated from local or remote infection sources.Cerebrum is most commonly affected by brain abscess.An abscess may also occur in the cerebellum or brain stem. Empyema is another condition, an accumulation of pus around the brain.some times it lead to Blood clots in Brain.It occurs when bacteria or fungi enter the brain tissue,the pus contains immune cells, dead microbes, cellular debris, and tissue fluid.Brain abscess leads to swelling of brain and brain inflammation.The pus is made up of dead and live microorganisms, and destroyed tissue from white blood cells carried to the area to fight the infection. Intraventricular rupture of brain abscesses (IVRBA) remains a catastrophic and fatal complication of bacterial brain abscess.
Causes of a Brain Abscess
Diagnosis
To diagnose a brain abscess following diagnostic tests will be conducted,
Causes of a Brain Abscess
- Brain abscesses are generally caused by bacteria entering the cranial cavity.
- Local sources may include ear infections, a dental abscess, infection of the paranasal sinuses, or epidural abscess
- Remote sources may include infections in the lung, heart or kidney.
- Brain abscess may also be the result of a head trauma.
- children cerebral abscesses are usually linked to congenital heart disease.
- Deadly brain abscesses due to infection caused from tongue piercings have occurred.
- Many brain abscesses are polymicrobical
Symptoms of a Brain Abscess
- Fever
- Headache
- vomiting
- inability to think quickly
- stupor
- Body weakness
- Fits (seizures)
- abnormal sensations
- Decreased speech
- Loss of muscle function
- Vision changes
Diagnosis
To diagnose a brain abscess following diagnostic tests will be conducted,
- computed tomography (CT)
- Blood cultures
- Chest x-ray
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Head CT scan
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Testing the presence of antibodies
Treatment
- Treating the infection with antibiotics
- Removing the abscess
- Neurosurgeon can remove a piece of the brain abscess with a fine needle.
Prevention
You can reduce the risk of developing a brain abscess by treating any disorders that can cause them. Have a follow-up examination after infections are treated. Some people, including those with certain heart disorders, may receive antibiotics before dental or urological procedures to help reduce the risk.
Prognosis
without treatment a Brain Abscess is nearly always fatal.
You can reduce the risk of developing a brain abscess by treating any disorders that can cause them. Have a follow-up examination after infections are treated. Some people, including those with certain heart disorders, may receive antibiotics before dental or urological procedures to help reduce the risk.
Prognosis
without treatment a Brain Abscess is nearly always fatal.
Consult a Doctor
Centre for Brain & Spine Care
