What is it about ?
A brain abscess (brain abscess) is a collection of pus in a specific location in the brain that is caused by bacteria, fungus or a parasite. The condition begins as an inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) before developing into an abscess.
The possible causes of a brain abscess are as follows:
- severe generalized infection (sepsis) ;
- infections of ears, teeth or sinus ;
- infections of respiratory tracts ;
- infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis) ;
- congenital heart disease;
- skull fracture or operation in the region of the skull;
- HIV infection.
A brain abscess can spread locally (for example in the case ofsinus infection) or spread through blood. It happens that several abscesses develop simultaneously.
What is its frequency?
Brain abscess is a rare condition that affects only 1 in 100,000 people per year.
Men are more concerned than women. A brain abscess is hardly ever seen in children.
How to recognize it?
The clinical picture begins with that of a inflammation of the brain. The pus forms afterwards and accumulates in a specific place in the brain
Symptoms of a brain abscess depend on the location of the abscess in the brain. The pressure exerted by the abscess on brain tissue is often the cause of symptoms. The main signs are:
- headache ;
- tired ;
- fever ;
- weakening of the state of consciousness;
- nausea and vomiting ;
- blurry vision ;
- crisesepilepsy.
A paralysis on one side of the body (unilateral paralysis), problems speaking or even a reduced field of vision may also appear. Psychiatric symptoms sometimes occur.
How is the diagnosis made?
- The doctor makes the diagnosis based on the symptoms and starting from a scanner (CT scan) or MRI of the brain.
- If the abscess is in an accessible area, it is sometimes possible to collect a sample of pus through puncture This pus is then analyzed to find the pathogenic germ. The doctor can thus determine the most suitable medication.
- He will always check for the presence of a source of contamination elsewhere in the body.
What can you do ?
If you notice symptoms that sound like a brain abscess and get worse, contact the doctor right away.
What can your doctor do?
If you suspect a brain abscess, the doctor will always refer you to a hospital as soon as possible.
The basic treatment consists of the administration ofantibiotics in high doses. The abscess is also sometimes aspirated using a fine needle.
Find out more
- The scanner, here, Where to find on this page of Cliniques St Luc UCL
- MRI, here, Where to find on this page of Cliniques St Luc UCL