Brain abscess

A brain abscess is a rare, life-threatening infection of the brain. Infectious agents such as bacteria, fungi or viruses enter the brain's tissue and cause a pus-filled swelling to develop (an abscess). Symptoms vary, depending on what part of the brain is affected, but commonly reported symptoms of a brain abscess include headache, fever, confusion, and weakness or paralysis on one side of the body.

A brain abscess can be extremely serious because the swelling can damage the brain. The swelling can also disrupt the blood and oxygen supply to the brain, which can be fatal if left untreated.

There is also the risk that the abscess may burst (rupture) which could cause serious brain damage, and possibly death.

How common are brain abscesses

Brain abscesses are extremely rare in the UK. It is estimated that only 2-3 people in every million will develop a brain abscess in any given year.

Brain abscesses can occur at any age, but most cases are reported in people age 40 or younger. Brain abscesses are more common in men and boys than in women or girls.

Brain abscesses usually occur as a complication caused by an infection in another part of the body.

Brain abscesses are medical emergencies

A brain abscess is a medical emergency, and requires prompt treatment with antibiotics and surgery. The preferred surgical treatment is to open the skull and to drain the pus from the abscess, or remove the abscess entirely.

Prognosis

Due to advancement in diagnostic and surgical techniques, the prognosis for brain abscesses has improved dramatically over the last few decades. Now deaths only occur in an estimated 10% of cases, with most people making a full recovery.

Glossary

Brain

The brain controls thought, memory and emotion. It sends messages to the body controlling movement, speech and senses

Abscess

abscess is a lump containing pus, which is made by the body during infection

Bacteria

Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms that live in the body. Some can cause illness and disease and some others are good for you

Tissue

Body tissue is made up of groups of cells that perform a specific job, such as protecting the body against infection, producing movement or storing fat

Fever

A fever is when you have a high body temperature (over 38C or 100.4F)

Blood

Blood supplies oxygen to the body and removes carbon dioxide. It is pumped around the body by the heart

Oxygen

Oxygen is an odourless, colourless gas that makes up about 20% of the air we breathe

Rupture

A rupture is a break or tear in an organ or tissue

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medicines that can be used to treat infections caused by micro-organisms, usually bacteria or fungi. For example amoxicillin, streptomycin and erythromycin

Prognosis

A prognosis is a prediction of the possible outcome of a disease or condition