BASIC INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION
A collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection in the
brain or the outermost of three membranes that cover
the brain and spinal cord.
FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The following symptoms usually appear gradually over
several hours. They resemble symptoms of a
brain tumor or
stroke:
- Pain in the back, if the infection is in the covering of
the spinal cord.
- Headache.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Weakness, numbness or paralysis of one side of the
body.
- Irregular gait.
- Convulsions.
- Fever.
- Confusion or delirium.
- Speaking difficulty.
CAUSES
The primary source of bacterial infection that causes a
brain or epidural abscess often cannot be found. These
three sources are the most common:
- An infection that spreads from an infected skull, such
as in osteomyelitis, mastoiditis or sinusitis.
- An infection that is introduced by a skull injury.
- An infection that spreads through the bloodstream
from other infected organs, such as the lungs, skin or
heart valves.
RISK INCREASES WITH
- Head injury.
- Illness that has lowered resistance, especially diabetes
mellitus.
- Recent infection, especially around the nose, eyes and
face.
- Immunosuppressed patient due to illness (AIDS) or
medications.
- Intravenous drug abuse.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
- Seek medical advice for any infection in your body,
especially one around the nose or face, to prevent its
spread (such as ear infection or dental abscess).
- Wear protective headgear when engaging in any
activity where risk of head injury is possible.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Usually curable with early diagnosis and treatment.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Seizures, coma and death without treatment.
- Permanent brain damage.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
- Diagnostic tests may include laboratory studies such
as blood studies, spinal-fluid studies; other tests such as
EEG, computed tomography (CT scan), X-rays of the
skull.
- Intensive care monitoring required.
- Medical or surgical treatment will depend on location
of abscess. Normally requires antibiotic therapy and
surgery to drain the abscess. Other treatment may
include intravenous fluids and mechanical breathing
support.
- Additional information available from the Brain
Research Foundation, 208 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 1426,
Chicago, IL 60604, (312) 782-4311.
MEDICATIONS
- Antibiotics for 4 to 6 weeks to fight infection.
- Anticonvulsants to prevent seizures.
- Following surgery, corticosteroids to reduce swelling
(edema).
ACTIVITY
While in the hospital, you will need bed rest. After a 2
to 3 week recovery you should be as active as your
strength and feeling of well-being allow.
DIET
Intravenous fluids and feedings are usually necessary
during hospitalization because of swallowing difficulty.
After treatment, no special diet is necessary.
NOTIFY YOUR PHYSICIAN IF
- You or a family member has any symptoms of a brain
or epidural abscess.
- Fever rises to 101°F (38.3° C) or higher.
- New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in
treatment may produce side effects.
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