Brain abscess Flashcards
What are the causes of an intracerebral abscess?
Local infection- e.g. middle ear, dental, sinus, epidural
Remote infection
Penetrating trauma
Surgery
What are the clinical features pf an intracerebral abscess?
Site dependent
Raised ICP
Classic= fever, headache, focal neurology
What investigation is done for intracerebral abscess?
CT
Shows ring enhanced lesion with limited perfusion and central necrosis
What is the management of an intracerebral abscess?
Surgical
Antibiotics
Where are spinal epidural abscesses normally located?
Thoracolumbar spine
What is the common pathogen in epidural abscesses?
Staph aureus
What are the clinical features of a spinal epidural abscess?
Local or radicular pain and tenderness
Percussion tenderness
Fever
Symptoms of compression
What is the management of a spinal epidural abscess?
Antibiotics
Drainage if neurological compromise
What is the usual cause of cranial epidural abscesses?
Ear infection or sinus infection
What are cranial epidural abscesses associated with?
Osteomyelitis of skull
What are the clinical features of a cranial epidural abscess?
Pus draining from ear/sinuses Pain in forehead/ear Tenderness Fever Neck stiffness
What is the management of a cranial epidural abscess?
Antibiotics
Surgery
