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A brain abscess is an infection in the brain tissue. The infection creates a bubble of fluid called pus, a collection of white blood cells and bodily fluids. Brain abscesses can rupture, a potentially deadly issue.
The most common cause of a brain abscess is an infection elsewhere in the body. Brain abscesses are more common in people with weakened immune systems. Doctors treat them with medication and surgery.
A brain abscess is an infection inside the brain that creates a bubble of pus. The abscess causes swelling that can cut off blood supply to parts of the brain.
A brain abscess is a severe and life-threatening condition. Ruptured abscesses have a high potential to cause death. Brain abscesses can also lead to brain damage or other issues, including seizures or infections in the brain's protective membranes.
Brain abscesses form when germs reach the brain, from an infection in the blood to spread from dental, ear, or sinus infections or other preexisting infections. Germs — including fungi, viruses, or bacteria — can cause an abscess if they spread to the brain from elsewhere in the body.
Heart and lung infections are among the most common causes of brain abscesses. Sinus, dental, and ear infections may also lead to brain abscesses.
People who are the most at risk of having a brain abscess have:
Symptoms of a brain abscess can come on suddenly or slowly. They may show up over several weeks, gradually getting worse.
Brain abscess symptoms may include:
Symptoms of a brain abscess in babies and young children include high-pitched cries and poor feeding. The soft spot on the top of a baby's head, called the fontanel, may look full or bulge out.
Signs that the brain abscess has ruptured include:
If you think you may have a brain abscess, see a doctor as soon as possible. Getting prompt treatment may require going to an emergency department or calling 911. The earlier you get treatment, the better.
To diagnose a brain abscess, a doctor will do a physical exam and ask about symptoms. They will do imaging tests to confirm a diagnosis of brain abscess.
These may include:
The treatment goal for a brain abscess is to reduce pressure inside the skull and get rid of the infection. Doctors usually treat brain abscesses with a combination of medicines and surgery.
Doctors will give medicines called antibiotics to help fight the infection. The doctor may prescribe several different antibiotics to treat the abscess. They may start antibiotics before they confirm the abscess.
Medicine may be the only treatment if the brain abscess is:
In addition to antibiotics, a doctor may need to do brain surgery to remove or drain the brain abscess.
The doctor may recommend surgery if:
The surgical approach will vary depending on the location of the abscess.
The UPMC neurosurgical team will do a thorough evaluation. They will choose the surgical approach that is least disruptive to the brain and critical nerves. This is often done with stereotactic image guidance, similar to using scans like MRI or CT like a GPS.
Their goal during surgery is to keep the brain functioning normally.
The amount of recovery time needed after surgery varies based on:
Most people will remain in the hospital for at least two to five days after surgery. Doctors and nurses will monitor your recovery.
Once the doctor approves discharge, recovery will continue at home, including at least four weeks of rest. Return to everyday life will depend on progress and any lingering health issues from the abscess or surgery.
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-10-01.
