General Information
DEFINITION--A collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection in the brain or
the outermost of 3 membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Brain; meninges (membranes that cover the brain); skull.
SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--
All ages, but most common in young adults. 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 3 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.
HOW TO PREVENT--Consult your doctor for treatment of any infection in your
body--especially one around the nose or face (such as ear infection or dental abscess)--to
prevent its spread.
What To Expect
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--
- Your own observation of symptoms.
- Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
- Laboratory studies such as blood studies, spinal-fluid studies, CT scan (See Glossary).
- X-rays of the skull.
APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE
- 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.
- Self-care after returning home.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Seizures, coma and death without treatment.
- Permanent brain damage.
PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable with early diagnosis and treatment.
How To Treat
GENERAL MEASURES--
- The family should maintain an optimistic outlook, stay in close contact with the
patient's doctor and help by making their visits with the patient brief and as supportive
as possible.
- Additional information available from the Brain Research Foundation, 208 S. LaSalle
Street, Suite 1426, Chicago, IL 60604, (312)782-4311.
MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:
- Antibiotics for 4 to 6 weeks to fight infection.
- Anticonvulsants to prevent seizures.
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--While hospitalized, intravenous fluids may be necessary. Following
treatment, eat a normal, well-balanced diet.
Call Your Doctor If
- You have any symptoms of a brain or epidural abscess.
- Fever rises to 101F (38.3C) or higher.
- New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
|