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Brain abscess

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Amebic brain abscess
Amebic brain abscess
Brain
Brain

Alternative Names    Return to top

Abscess - brain; Cerebral abscess; CNS abscess

Definition    Return to top

A brain abscess is a collection of immune cells, pus, and other material in the brain, usually from a bacterial or fungal infection.

Causes    Return to top

Brain abscesses commonly occur when bacteria or fungi infect part of the brain. Swelling and irritation (inflammation) develops in response. Infected brain cells, white blood cells, and live and dead bacteria and fungi collect in an area of the brain. A membrane forms around this area and creates a mass.

While this immune response can protect the brain by isolating the infection, it can also do more harm than good. The brain swells. Because the skull cannot expand, the mass may put pressure on delicate brain tissue. Infected material can block the blood vessels of the brain.

The bacteria or fungi that cause a brain abscess commonly reach the brain through the blood. The source of the infection is often not found. However, the most common source is a lung infection. Bacteria or fungi may also travel from a nearby infected area (for example, an ear infection) or be introduced into the body during an injury (such as a gun or knife wound) or surgery.

In children with heart disease or a birth defect, such as those born with Tetralogy of Fallot, infections are more able to reach the brain from the intestines, teeth, or other body areas.

The following raise your risk of a brain abscess:

Symptoms    Return to top

Symptoms may develop slowly, over a period of 2 weeks, or they may develop suddenly. They may include:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

A brain and nervous system (neurological) exam will usually show increased intracranial pressure and problems with brain function.

Tests to diagnose a brain abscess may include:

A needle biopsy is usually performed to identify the cause of the infection.

Treatment    Return to top

A brain abscess is a medical emergency. Pressure inside the skull may become high enough to be life-threatening. You will need to stay in the hospital until the condition is stable. Some people may need life support.

Medication, not surgery, is recommended if you have:

You will get antibiotics. Antibiotics that work against a number of different bacteria (broad spectrum antibiotics) are most commonly used. You may be prescribed several different types of antibiotics to make sure treatment works.

Anti-fungal medications may also be prescribed if the infection is likely caused by a fungus.

Immediate treatment may be needed if an abscess is injuring brain tissue by pressing on it, or there is a large abscess with a large amount of swelling around that it is raising pressure in the brain.

Surgery is needed if :

Surgery consists of opening the skull, exposing the brain, and draining the abscess. Laboratory tests are often done to examine the fluid. This can help identify what is causing the infection, so that more appropriate antibiotics or anti-fungal drugs can be prescribed.

The surgical procedure used depends on the size and depth of the abscess. The entire abscess may be removed (excised) if it is near the surface and enclosed in a sac.

Needle aspiration guided by CT or MRI scan may be needed for a deep abscess. During this procedure, medications may be injected directly into the mass.

Certain diuretics and steroids may also be used to reduce swelling of the brain.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

If untreated, a brain abscess is almost always deadly. With treatment, the death rate is about 10-30%. The earlier treatment is received, the better.

Some patients may have long-term neurological problems after surgery.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Go to a hospital emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have symptoms of a brain abscess.

Prevention    Return to top

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.

References    Return to top

Nath A. Brain abscess and parameningeal infections. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 438.

Update Date: 9/28/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Jatin M. Vyas, PhD, MD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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