Brain abscess

Question 1

What are some causes of brain abscesses?

Answer 1

Brain abscesses may result from extension of sepsis from middle ear or sinuses, trauma or surgery to the scalp, penetrating head injuries, and embolic events from endocarditis.

Question 2

What factors influence the presenting symptoms of a brain abscess?

Answer 2

The presenting symptoms depend upon the site of the abscess; those in critical areas (e.g., motor cortex) will present earlier.

Question 3

What are common symptoms of a brain abscess?

Answer 3

Common symptoms include headache (often dull and persistent), fever (may be absent), focal neurology (e.g., oculomotor nerve palsy), and other features consistent with raised intracranial pressure such as nausea, papilloedema, and seizures.

Question 4

What imaging technique is used for assessing brain abscesses?

Answer 4

Assessment of the patient includes imaging with CT scanning.

Question 5

What is the management approach for brain abscesses?

Answer 5

Management includes surgery (craniotomy and abscess cavity debridement), IV antibiotics (3rd-generation cephalosporin + metronidazole), and intracranial pressure management (e.g., dexamethasone).