Brain Abscess - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Brain Abscess Definition

Brain abscess is a free or encapsulated collection of pus that usually occurs in the temporal lobe, cerebellum, or frontal lobes. A brain abscess is a mass of immune cells, pus, and other material that can occur when the brain is infected by fungus.

Brain Abscess may be occured at any age, but it is commonly found in people ages in between 10 to 35. Brain Abscess is rare found in older adults.

Brain Abscess Causes

A high number of brain abscesses are polymicrobic. A brain abscess usually occurs secondary to some other infection. Brain abscesses mainly occur when bacteria infect part of the brain.

The causes of the brain abscess may include:

• h influenzae
• sinusitis
• scalp wound
• streptococcus pneumoniae
• neisseria meningitidis
• nocardia asteroides
• aerobic streptococci
• mycobacterium
• fungi
• helminths
• scalp injury
• toxoplasma gondii
• pseudallescheria boydii
• staphylococcus aureus
• bacteroides
• prevotella
• pseudomonas species
• other anaerobes
• ear infection
• any body infection

Brain Abscess Symptoms

The symptoms of brain abscess depending on its location, its size, and swelling around the abscess. Early symptoms are characteristic of a bacterial infection.

The Symptoms of brain abscess may include:

• headache
• nausea
• vomiting
• Weakness
• sleepiness
• seizures
• Fever and chills
• changes in speech
• personality changes
• problems walking
• Stiff neck, shoulders, or back
• other signs of brain dysfunction.
• Aching of neck, shoulders, or back

Brain Abscess Treatments

Medication may be the first treatment if the abscess is relatively small.

A brain abscess may be fatal unless treated with antibiotics. The commonly used antibiotics are penicillin, metronidazole and cephalosporins,

In the case of brain abscess, hospitalization may be required until the condition is stabilized.

Some times in case of brain abscess, Life support may be required.

The treatment for a brain abscess will be determined by your child's physician based on your child's age, overall health, and the extent of the condition.