Brain abscess

Brain abscess - A collection of pus, surrounded by inflamed tissues, within the brain or on its surface. The most common sites are the frontal and temporal lobes of the cerebrum in the forebrain.

Brain abscesses may occur after a head injury, but most cases result from the spread of infection from elsewhere in the body, such as the middle ear or sinuses. Another cause is an infection following a penetrating brain injury.

Multiple brain abscesses may occur as a result of blood-borne infection, most commonly in patients with a heart-valve infection (see endocarditis). Symptoms include headache, drowsiness, vomiting, visual disturbances, fever, seizures, and symptoms, such as speech disturbances, that are due to local pressure. Treatment is with antibiotic drugs and surgery.

A craniotomy may be needed to open and drain the abscess. Untreated, brain abscesses can cause permanent damage or can be fatal. Despite treatment, scarring can cause epilepsy in some cases.