Brain abscess

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Amebic brain abscess

Abscess - brain; Cerebral abscess; CNS abscess

Symptoms may develop slowly, over a period of 2 weeks, or they may develop suddenly. They may include:

• Headache
• Stiff neck, shoulders, or back
• Aching of neck, shoulders, or back
• Vomiting
• Changes in mental status
  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion
  • Inattention
  • Irritability
  • Slow thought processes
  • Decreasing responsiveness
  • Eventual coma
• Seizures
• Fever and chills
• Vision changes
• Loss of muscle function
• Decreased sensation
• Decreased movement
• Weakness
• Decreased speech (aphasia)
• Other language difficulties
• Loss of coordination

A neurological exam will usually reveal increased intracranial pressure and problems with brain function.

Tests to diagnose a brain abscess may include:

• CBC
• Blood cultures .
• Chest x-ray
• EEG
• Cranial CT scan
• MRI of head

A needle biopsy is usually performed to identify the infecting organism.

Review Date: 10/16/2006
Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.