Brain Abscess Overview
Posted by Healthfitline
On
Monday, January 14, 2013
A brain abscess is a mass within the brain tissues that is made of infectious materials. The most common causative agent of a brain abscess is the bacteria, that originates from other parts of the body and reaches the brain through lungs, gums, tongue or heart via blood. In individuals with health immune system, the two common cause of brain abscess is ear infection (otitis media) and sinusitis. In individuals with compromised immunity like AIDS patients, brain abscess may occurs as result of several causative agents.
Brain Abscess Symptoms
The signs and symptoms experienced by an individual suffering from a brain abscess depends on what part of the brain is affected. Some of the most common signs and symptoms are;
- Early morning headache
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Neurological deficit, such as change in vision, weakness, instability - depending on the area of the brain that is affected.
- As the abscess increases in size, other signs and symptoms of increased ICP may occur. Such as alteration in level of consciousness.
Brain Abscess Diagnostics
- CT scan of the brain - to identify the location and size of the abscess.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
- Aspiration of abscess for culture during CT scan or MRI.
- Blood test if infection is suspected to be originating from other sources.
- Chest x-rays to rule out a lung infection.
Brain Abscess Treatment
If the causative organism is a bacteria, patient is treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic given is determined by the culture sensitivity results. Other medications such corticosteroids may be given to lessen edema and to reduce the increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Patient is also put under close monitoring for changes in ICP and focal seizure.
0 comments:
Post a Comment