CNS infections - brain abscess

Question 1

What bacteria most commonly cause brain abscesses?

Answer 1

streptococci
staphylococcus aureus

Question 2

How does a brain abscess typically occur?

Answer 2

collection of pus in brain parenchyma as a result of a spread from infection elsewhere in body or due to surgical intervention

Question 3

Describe the symptoms of a brain abscess.

Answer 3

headache
fever
focal neurological signs - seizure, raised intracranial pressure

Question 4

How would you investigate someone with a potential brain abscess?

Answer 4

routine bloods, blood culture, MRI, CT head with contrast, CSF exam, serology, HIV test

Question 5

What are the choices of empirical antibiotics for treating a brain abscess?

Answer 5

IV certriaxone or
ceftazidime and IV metronidazole

Question 6

What combination of three antibiotics can a specialist prescribe for a brain abscess?

Answer 6

IV ceftriaxone
IV vancomycin
IV metronidazole