Brain abscess – NHS

A brain abscess is a pus-filled swelling in the brain. It usually occurs when bacteria or fungi enter the brain tissue after an infection or severe head injury.

Although the risk of developing a brain abscess is extremely low in England, it is a life-threatening condition and should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

Symptoms of a brain abscess

The symptoms of a brain abscess may develop quickly or slowly but can include:

• headache – which is often severe, located in a single section of the head and cannot be relieved with painkillers
• changes in mental state – such as confusion or irritability
• problems with nerve function – such as muscle weakness, slurred speech or paralysis on one side of the body
• a high temperature
• seizures (fits)
• feeling sick
• being sick
• stiff neck
• changes in vision – such as blurring, greying of vision or double vision (due to the abscess putting pressure on the optic nerve)

When to get medical advice

Any symptoms that suggest a problem with the brain and nervous system should be treated as a medical emergency. These include:

• slurred speech
• muscle weakness or paralysis
• seizures occurring in a person with no previous history of seizures

If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, phone 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.

Any symptoms that suggest a worsening infection, such as a high temperature or being sick, should be reported to your GP immediately.

If your GP is not available, contact your local out-of-hours service or call NHS 111.

Causes of a brain abscess

There are 3 main ways a brain abscess can develop. These are:

• an infection in another part of the skull – such as an ear infection, sinusitis or dental abscess, which can spread directly into the brain
• an infection in another part of the body – for example, the infection that causes pneumonia spreading into the brain via the blood
• trauma, such as a head injury – that cracks open the skull, allowing bacteria or fungi to enter the brain

However, in some cases, the source of the infection remains unknown.

Read more about the causes of a brain abscess.

Diagnosing a brain abscess

If a brain abscess is suspected, an initial assessment will be made based on your symptoms, medical history and whether you’ve had a recent infection or a weakened immune system.

Blood tests can also be carried out to check for an infection.

If you’re referred to hospital for further tests, you may have either:

• a CT scan – a series of X-rays are used to produce a detailed image of the inside of your body
• an MRI scan – which uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce a detailed image of the inside of your body.

If an abscess is found, a procedure known as CT-guided aspiration may be used to remove a sample of pus for testing. This involves using a CT scan to guide a needle to the site of the abscess.

Treating a brain abscess

A brain abscess is regarded as a medical emergency. Swelling caused by the abscess can disrupt the blood and oxygen supply to the brain. There’s also a risk of the abscess bursting (rupturing).

If left untreated, a brain abscess can cause permanent brain damage and could be fatal.

A brain abscess is usually treated using a combination of:

• medicines – either antibiotics or antifungals
• surgery – either draining the pus through a hole in the skull (simple aspiration) or opening the skull and removing the abscess entirely (craniotomy)

Treatment with antibiotics often begins before a diagnosis is confirmed, to reduce the risk of complications.

Read more about treating a brain abscess.

Complications of a brain abscess

Complications of a brain abscess can include:

• a reoccurring abscess – seek immediate medical advice if you think there’s even a small chance your abscess has reoccurred; this is more common in people with a weakened immune system or cyanotic heart disease
• brain damage – mild to moderate brain damage often improves with time but severe brain damage is likely to be permanent; brain damage is more of a risk if diagnosis and treatment are delayed
• epilepsy – where a person has repeated seizures (fits)
• meningitis – a life-threatening infection of the protective membranes around the brain, which requires urgent treatment; this is more common in children

Page last reviewed: 18 October 2022
Next review due: 18 October 2025

Encephalitis | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Encephalitis is a serious condition affecting the brain that requires prompt treatment to lower the risk of lasting complications or death.

What is encephalitis?

Encephalitis is inflammation of the active tissues of the brain caused by an infection or an autoimmune response. The inflammation causes the brain to swell, which can lead to headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, mental confusion and seizures.

Encephalitis strikes 10–15 people per 100,000 each year, with more than 250,000 patients diagnosed in the last decade alone in the U.S. The condition can affect anyone, but more often occurs in younger people.

Encephalitis Causes and Types

Encephalitis can be caused by infections or autoimmune conditions where the body’s own immune responses attack the brain. Even with extensive testing, the specific cause of encephalitis remains unknown in about 30%–40% of cases.

Cases of encephalitis are likely to continue to rise as more and more autoimmune causes are recognized. Emerging infections such as Zika, chikungunya and Powassan viruses can also contribute to this trend.

Infectious Encephalitis

Infectious encephalitis is typically caused by a viral infection. Vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox have reduced the rate of encephalitis from these diseases, but other viruses can cause encephalitis. The most common causes of viral encephalitis are herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, varicella zoster virus and enteroviruses, which cause gastrointestinal illness.

Encephalitis can also result from certain viruses carried by mosquitoes, ticks and other insects or animals such as:

• West Nile virus
• Japanese encephalitis virus
• La Crosse virus
• St. Louis virus
• Equine viruses
• Powassan virus
• Zika
• Chikungunya

Other infectious microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and parasites can also cause encephalitis, though rarely.

Autoimmune Encephalitis

Autoimmune encephalitis occurs when a person’s own antibodies or immune cells attack the brain. Antibodies may target specific proteins or receptors in the brain, which determine the type of autoimmune encephalitis:

• In anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, the immune system targets the NMDA receptors in the brain.
• In VGKC-complex antibody encephalitis, the immune system targets the VGKC brain protein complex that includes subtypes LGI-1 and CASPR2.
• GABA-A and GABA-B receptors may also be targeted.

While the causes of autoimmune encephalitis are not well understood, it can sometimes result from a tumor (benign or cancerous). Some types of autoimmune encephalitis such as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) are typically triggered by an infection (post-infectious encephalitis).

Encephalitis Symptoms

Acute encephalitis shows up with an onset of symptoms that get worse over the course of days to weeks. Infectious encephalitis often starts with flu-like symptoms or headache and evolves to altered mental status and problems with thinking, remembering and reasoning. Autoimmune encephalitis typically progresses over the course of weeks.

Symptoms of encephalitis vary according to the area of the brain affected and, in autoimmune encephalitis, depending on the associated antibody.

Physical Symptoms

• Fever
• Seizures
• Headache
• Movement disorders
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to sound
• Neck stiffness
• Loss of consciousness

In severe cases, encephalitis symptoms may include:

• Weakness or partial paralysis in the arms and legs
• Double vision
• Impairment of speech or hearing
• Coma

Cognitive Symptoms

• Excessive sleepiness
• Confusion and disorientation
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Psychosis
• Hallucinations
• Memory loss
• Other behavioral changes
• Cognitive impairment

Symptoms Due to Specific Types of Encephalitis

Encephalitis caused by certain infections or autoimmune processes can show up with characteristic symptoms.

• A sensation of déjà vu (the feeling that one is reliving something already experienced) is a common finding in early stages of herpes simplex virus encephalitis.
• A type of autoimmune encephalitis affecting NMDA receptors can start with a flu-like illness. It can then lead to behavioral changes and unusual movement patterns affecting the mouth and face, cognitive decline and impaired function of the autonomic nervous system.
• Another type of autoimmune encephalitis (LGI1) is associated with seizures or other abnormal movement of the face or arm.

The symptoms of encephalitis may resemble other problems or medical conditions. Always consult your health care provider for a diagnosis.

Encephalitis Diagnosis

You may need to be evaluated for encephalitis if you are experiencing a combination of symptoms such as fever, altered state of awareness, seizures or changes in behavior or movement. It is very important to identify encephalitis promptly to decrease the risk of death or lasting complications.

To diagnose encephalitis, your healthcare provider might order tests, perform a medical exam and discuss your medical history. The doctor may ask about your vaccinations, recent colds and other respiratory illnesses or gastrointestinal illness. He or she will want to know if you have recently had a tick bite, have been around pets or other animals, or have traveled to certain locations.

Tests for encephalitis can include:

• Neuroimaging, such as a brain MRI or CT scan
• A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to check for signs of infection in the brain or spinal cord
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) to look for seizures or specific patterns of electrical activity in the brain
• Blood tests or urine and stool tests to identify organisms or antibodies responsible for an infection

Additional tests may include:

• A sputum culture tests the material that is coughed up from the lungs to see if certain infections are present.
• In rare cases, a biopsy of affected brain tissue may be performed to allow for examination under a microscope.
• Intracranial pressure monitoring (ICP) measures the pressure inside the skull to monitor the brain swelling.

Encephalitis Treatment

The key to surviving encephalitis is early detection and effective treatment of the underlying cause. A team of specialists working together is an important factor in optimal care.

Encephalitis patients might require a stay in the ICU so that health care providers can watch for seizures, brain swelling, respiratory failure or heart rhythm changes.

Encephalitis treatment depends on the underlying cause and symptoms, and may include:

• Antiviral medications to fight viral infections affecting the brain.
• Antibiotics to address underlying bacterial infections causing encephalitis.
• Immunotherapy, such as steroids, intravenous antibodies (IVIg) or plasma exchange, to address certain types of autoimmune encephalitis.
• Medications or other therapies to control seizures.
• A breathing tube, urinary catheter, or feeding tube may be necessary if the person’s encephalitis has caused loss of consciousness.

Patients with encephalitis who have seizures that don’t respond well to anti-seizure medications could benefit from a ketogenic diet, which is high in fat and low in carbohydrates. It has been effective in reducing seizures in drug-resistant epilepsy in children and adults, as well as in patients with autoimmune encephalitis such as anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis.

Encephalitis Prognosis

Encephalitis is very serious. Both the acute stage and the aftermath can be overwhelming for patients and their families.

During the encephalitis attack, the inflamed brain tissue can suffer damage, which varies greatly between patients. In general, the brain doesn’t bounce back as quickly as other body parts such as bone, skin and muscles, but it does have some capacity to recover.

Mild cases of encephalitis are usually short and result in a full recovery. However, despite improvements in diagnosis and treatment, encephalitis still leads to death in about 10% of patients.

Survivors of severe cases of encephalitis can be left with permanent problems such as fatigue, irritability, impaired concentration, seizures, hearing loss, memory loss and blindness.

The recovery process may take months to even years. Intensive rehabilitation, involving specialists in neurology, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, nutrition and neuropsychology, can help patients make the best possible recovery.

Can encephalitis be prevented?

These measures can help prevent certain types of infectious encephalitis:

• Keep your vaccinations up to date, especially when traveling to areas known to have encephalitis-causing viruses.
• Use proper hygiene and hand-washing to help prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria.
• Avoid mosquito and tick exposure.

If you are exposed to someone with bacterial encephalitis, contact your doctor. You may be offered a course of antibiotics to prevent you from getting the disease.

Infections of the brain | Neurology

All infections are dangerous to varying degrees, and even more so – neuroinfections. The most dangerous of neuroinfections are those that affect the brain. There can be no “non-serious” diseases here. Each pathogen that can overcome the blood-brain barrier poses a huge danger to human health and life.

Types of brain infections

The whole variety of neuroinfections affecting the brain can be divided into five groups:

• bacterial;
• parasitic;
• viral;
• prion;
• fungal.

Bacterial infections

A huge number of pathogens related to bacterial infections can affect the brain.
Diseases such as meningitis, encephalitis or brain abscess may well cause such “ordinary” pathogens as pneumococcus, staphylococcus, enterobacteria. But this can happen only when:

• damage to the bones of the skull, with a violation of the integrity of the meninges;
• the introduction of pathogens during a neurosurgical operation;
• the presence of a purulent focus in the body and weakened immunity.

However, the situation is different with other pathogens.

Meningococcal infection is a traditional neuroinfection that affects the brain. The peak incidence is observed in the autumn-winter period, when the immune system is reduced due to frequent hypothermia and lack of vitamins.

If the immune system is normal, then you will be limited to ordinary nasopharyngitis, otherwise, the likelihood of getting meningitis or meningoencephalitis increases.

Symptoms of meningococcal infection

• fever,
• increase in body temperature up to 39-40 ° C.
• chills,
• headache
• weakness
• neck muscle tension
• nausea,
• vomiting,

specific symptoms

• Rashes of red-violet color protruding above the surface of the skin, the elements of which resemble a star in shape
• The disease begins very acutely (often you can specify a specific time (hour) when a person fell ill)
• Within 24 hours, while a person is conscious, treatment must begin, otherwise he may fall into a coma.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis , among other things, can also affect the brain.
Children, the elderly, and people with immunodeficiency are more likely to get sick.

Symptoms of the onset of the disease are not pronounced, more often it is general weakness, malaise, lack of appetite, headache and irritability, body temperature is subfebrile in nature (the temperature rises for a long time within 37.1 – 38 ° C.). Subsequently, “usual” meningeal symptoms join.

After neurological disorders join – paresis and paralysis of the facial nerve, oculomotor muscles, dizziness. Against the background of neurological disorders, mental disorders occur.

Neurosyphilis, is now almost never found, but before the discovery of penicillin, it was the basis of the work of neurologists. There are several types of neurosyphilis:

1. Asymptomatic, proceeds without any special signs, the disease can be detected only by analysis.
2. Meningitis – often appears during the first year of the disease, manifested by disorders of the cranial nerves and increased intracranial pressure (ICP).
3. Cerebrovascular – occurs mainly in the 2-5th year of the disease and can lead to a stroke or transform into tabes dorsalis or progressive paralysis.
4. Progressive paralysis is a disease that is also called “paralysis of the lunatics.” It occurs 15-20 years after infection and first manifests itself with mental symptoms, then muscle paralysis occurs and progresses, which ultimately leads to death.
5. Congenital, which, strictly speaking, affects the entire body and is characterized by multiple defects in the development of the child.
6. Gumma of the brain – manifests itself as a volumetric formation. Symptoms include an increase in ICP and focal symptoms, depending on the localization of the gum.

An unpleasant feature of the disease is its difficult diagnosis.

Viral and prion infections

There are a huge number of viruses that cause acute encephalitis (mosquito, tick-borne, epidemic), in general, they differ in carriers and geography of distribution.

Focal symptoms occur against the background of “general infectious manifestations”, these are:

• paresis
• paralysis of the respiratory muscles
• paralysis of limbs,
• paralysis of the facial muscles, etc.

Rabies and slow infections can be a huge danger, and therefore, special attention is paid to them.

Rabies.
Almost all mammals can suffer from rabies. The source of infection is usually dogs, wolves, foxes, and it is through the bite of infected animals that this dangerous infection is transmitted to humans.
Symptoms:

• hydro and aerophobia
• convulsions
• bouts of aggressive behavior.

Emergency vaccination after a bite is the only way to recover, so waiting for the first symptoms of the disease to develop is prohibited, since this can only mean that the person can no longer be saved.

Slow infections – viral neuroinfections that have the ability to remain asymptomatically in the human nervous tissue for a long time, with the subsequent development of the disease.

Scientists have deduced four main features that distinguish slow infections:

• unusually long (months and years) incubation period;
• slowly progressive nature of the course;
• unusual damage to organs and tissues;
• inevitability of death.

The causative agents of the virus are rubella and measles. For reasons that are not completely clear, these viruses can remain in brain cells after an illness and cause disease after 4 or more years. Both viruses cause panencephalitis with similar symptoms:

personality change with dementia

Gradual paralysis of all striated muscles.

Unfortunately, even with treatment, the consequences of these neuroinfections are always the same – death.

Prions
Prions – proteinaceous infectious (particles).
Prions are defined as “a small protein infectious particle that is resistant to inactivating effects that modify nucleic acids”, in other words, prions are ordinary body proteins that, for some reason (which are still unknown), begin to behave “incorrectly”.

There are four types of prion neuroinfections, and only one of them has a clear mechanism of transmission. In some tribes of Papua New Guinea, cases of kuru-kuru have often been noted due to the previously common ritual cannibalism – eating the brains of relatives. Prions cause spongiform encephalopathy, that is, the brain turns into a kind of sponge.

Parasitic infections

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease characterized by the possibility of intrauterine infection, damage to the nervous system, eyes, skeletal muscles and heart muscles, as well as an increase in lymph nodes, liver and spleen.

For the causative agent of this disease, a person is an intermediate host, and the main one is cats. In a normal state of immunity, the disease does not manifest itself in any way, but if a person suffers from immunodeficiency, then there may be such variants of the disease:

• encephalopathy, with the development of delirium, confusion up to coma;
• meningoencephalitis, with all its classic manifestations;
• toxoplasma abscess of the brain, which is manifested by general infectious symptoms, focal disorders, depending on the location, convulsions, impaired consciousness.

The most severe consequences of toxoplasmosis are in pregnant women, as it causes underdevelopment of the fetal brain.

Diagnostics

In order to diagnose a neuroinfection, including the brain, a set of measures is used:

• general analysis of blood and urine;
• blood chemistry;
• blood test for antibodies to viral, bacterial and other agents;
• visualization methods – MRI;

Treatment

Despite the difference in pathogens, some aspects of treatment are the same in all cases.

Patients must be prescribed bed rest (for acute infections), anti-inflammatory drugs, detoxification therapy.

When it is a subacute or chronic process, patients are also given “vascular” drugs that promote better blood supply to the brain, nootropic, anti-inflammatory drugs.

Precautions
Do not eat raw or undercooked meat, wash hands thoroughly after contact with cats.

Brain abscess – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention and treatment

Synonyms

Some synonyms for the term “brain abscess” include:

• Purulent brain abscess
• Brain abscess
• Cerebral abscess

General information

A brain abscess is a serious and dangerous condition in which a purulent inflammation forms in the brain. It can be caused by a bacterial, fungal or, less commonly, viral infection, or as a complication of other infections or head injuries.

A brain abscess is extremely serious and requires immediate medical attention. Treatment includes antibiotics to fight the infection, and surgery may be required to drain and remove the purulent contents of the abscess.

Signs and symptoms of a brain abscess may include:

• Headache
• Edema of the head or face
• Convulsions
• Loss of consciousness
• Speech or hearing disorders
• Impaired coordination of movements
• Increased body temperature
• Labored breathing
• Hypersensitivity to light

In the event of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Diagnosis of a brain abscess includes a clinical examination, neurological examination, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the head, laboratory blood tests, and other diagnostic procedures.

The treatment of a brain abscess is carried out under the supervision of specialists such as neurologists , neurosurgeons and infectious disease specialists . They determine the optimal treatment strategy, including the use of antibiotics, surgery, and supportive care to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

Statistics

A brain abscess is a serious medical condition and its occurrence is relatively rare. Statistics on brain abscesses may vary depending on geographic distribution, access to medical care, and other factors. However, in general, brain abscesses account for about 8-15% of all purulent infections of the central nervous system.

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Causes

Brain abscess can arise due to various reasons. Some of them include:

• Inflammatory processes in the lungs. Most often, the cause of the formation of hematogenous abscesses of the brain are bronchiectasis, pleural empyema, chronic pneumonia, lung abscess). A fragment of an infected thrombus becomes a bacterial embolus, which enters the systemic circulation and is carried by blood flow to the vessels of the brain, where it is fixed in small vessels (precapillary, capillary or arteriole). Chronic (or acute) bacterial endocarditis, gastrointestinal infections, and sepsis may play a minor role in the pathogenesis of abscesses.
• Traumatic brain injury. In the case of an open penetrating TBI, a brain abscess develops as a result of direct infection in the cranial cavity. In peacetime, the proportion of such abscesses is 15-20%. In combat conditions, it increases many times (mine-explosive wounds, gunshot wounds).
• ENT pathologies. With purulent-inflammatory processes in the paranasal sinuses (sinusitis), the middle and inner ear, two ways of spreading the infection are possible: retrograde – along the sinuses of the dura mater and cerebral veins; and direct penetration of infection through the dura mater. In the second case, a delimited focus of inflammation is initially formed in the meninges, and then in the adjacent part of the brain.
• Postoperative complications. Brain abscesses that form against the background of intracranial infectious complications after neurosurgical interventions (ventriculitis, meningitis) usually occur in severe, debilitated patients.
• Other diseases. Chronic (or acute) bacterial endocarditis, gastrointestinal infections, and sepsis may play a minor role in the pathogenesis of hematogenous abscesses.

Symptoms of a brain abscess

Symptoms of a brain abscess may vary depending on its location and degree of development. Here are some common symptoms that can occur with a brain abscess:

1. Headache: Persistent or paroxysmal headache that may be severe and get worse over time.

2. Fever: Elevated body temperature accompanied by chills and sweating.

3. Adverse changes in behavior or mental status: This may include drowsiness, slow thinking, mood or memory changes, irritability, confusion, or behavioral changes.

4. Neurological symptoms: Seizures, changes in vision, hearing or speech, paralysis or weakening of the muscles of the face, jerky movements of the limbs, or changes in sensory sensitivity may occur.

5. Cerebral edema: There may be an increase in cerebral edema, which can lead to increased pressure inside the skull and disruption of the normal functioning of the brain.

Loss of consciousness or fainting

Headache

Increase in skin temperature

Increased sensitivity to light

Labored breathing

Which doctor treats

If you suspect a brain abscess, you should contact a neurologist or neurosurgeon. These professionals have the experience and knowledge to diagnose and treat conditions related to the brain. They can perform the necessary examinations, including neuroimaging methods (for example, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging), and determine the best treatment plan depending on the individual case.

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Diagnosis of a brain abscess

Diagnosis of a brain abscess involves various examinations and procedures to determine the presence and characteristics of an abscess. Some of them include:

1. Clinical examination and history taking: The doctor evaluates the patient’s symptoms and general condition, and asks questions about previous infections or head injuries.

2. Neuroimaging techniques: Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain are the main imaging modalities for diagnosing a brain abscess. These methods allow you to get detailed images of the brain and determine the presence of an abscess, its size, position and interaction with surrounding structures.

3. Lumbar Puncture: If a brain abscess is suspected, a lumbar puncture may be done to remove brain fluid for analysis. The analysis of cerebral fluid allows you to identify the presence of infection and evaluate its characteristics.

4. Bacteriological examination: In the presence of a brain abscess, culture of a sample taken from the abscess may be performed to determine the causative agent of the infection and select adequate antibiotic therapy

5. Other additional tests: In some cases, other additional tests, such as electroencephalogram (EEG), positron emission tomography (PET), angiography, etc., may be required to more accurately assess the state of the brain and identify possible complications.

It is important to note that the diagnosis and treatment of a brain abscess should be carried out by experienced neurologists and neurosurgeons, so it is recommended that you contact them for professional medical care.

Treatment of a brain abscess

Treatment of a brain abscess is usually a combination of medication and surgery. The approach to treatment may vary depending on the specific situation, including the size and location of the abscess, the presence of complications, and the general condition of the patient. The main treatments for a brain abscess include:

1. Antibiotic therapy: If a bacterial brain abscess is confirmed or suspected, antibiotics are given. The choice of a specific drug depends on the identified pathogen and its sensitivity to antibiotics. A wide range of antibiotics are usually used and, if necessary, a change in the treatment regimen may be necessary based on the results of bacteriological examination.

2. Abscess Drainage: Large brain abscesses or complications such as subarachnoid purulent collection may require surgical drainage. This allows you to remove the purulent fluid and reduce the pressure inside the skull.

3. Control of intraventricular pressure: In some cases, a brain abscess can lead to an increase in ventricular pressure inside the skull. In such cases, a ventricular drain may be required to relieve pressure and relieve symptoms.

4. Symptomatic treatment: In addition to treating the underlying brain abscess, symptomatic treatment may be required to relieve associated symptoms. For example, anticonvulsants can be used to control seizure activity, as well as drugs to reduce inflammation and pain.

It is important to note that the treatment of a brain abscess should be carried out under the guidance of a qualified medical professional such as a neurologist or neurosurgeon. He will determine the optimal approach to treatment in each case and monitor the dynamics of the patient’s condition.

If left untreated

Left untreated, a brain abscess can have serious consequences and potentially be life-threatening to the patient. An uncontrolled abscess may progress and worsen the patient’s condition. Possible consequences of not treating a brain abscess include:

1. Spread of infection: An untreated abscess may continue to spread in the brain, leading to the formation of new abscesses or infections. This can lead to worsening symptoms and an increased risk of complications.

2. Neurological deterioration: A brain abscess can put pressure on surrounding tissues and nerve structures, causing neurological deterioration. The patient may experience problems with coordination, weakness, changes in consciousness, and other symptoms associated with brain damage.

3. Development of complications: An untreated brain abscess can lead to the development of various complications, such as sepsis (a massive infection of the blood), meningitis (inflammation of the meninges), hydrocephalus (accumulation of fluid in the ventricles of the brain) and others.

4. Loss of nerve function: Constant pressure on nerve structures in the brain can lead to loss or reduction of nerve function, which can affect the patient’s quality of life. This may include loss of vision, hearing, speech, motor skills, and other neurological functions.

How to help yourself

Self-treatment of a brain abscess is impossible and dangerous!
Brain abscess is a serious and potentially fatal condition that requires immediate medical assistance . If you suspect a brain abscess, you should immediately contact medical specialists to get the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Risks

A brain abscess is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition with a number of risks. Some of them include:

1. Brain damage: An abscess can lead to brain damage, which can manifest as seizures, altered consciousness, paralysis, and problems with speech and coordination.

2. Neurological impairment: A brain abscess can cause a variety of neurological symptoms such as headache, dizziness, visual disturbances, hearing loss, and impaired memory and thinking.

3. Cerebral necrosis: An uncontrolled abscess can lead to necrosis (death) of brain tissue, which can cause serious and permanent damage.

4. Spread of infection: A brain abscess can lead to the spread of infection to nearby areas of the head and neck, which can lead to complications such as sepsis (a common infection) or meningitis (inflammation of the meninges).

5. Life-threatening complications: If not treated promptly and adequately, a brain abscess can progress and lead to life-threatening conditions, including cerebral sepsis, brain damage, and death.

Prevention of brain abscess

Prevention of brain abscess is related to preventing infections that can lead to its development. Here are some recommendations for prevention:

1. Maintain good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water before eating and after visiting public places. This will help prevent the transmission of infections.

2. Treat wounds properly: If you have wounds or cuts, clean them with warm water and soap, then apply an antiseptic.

3. Avoid contact with infected people: Try to avoid contact with people who have infectious diseases, especially if they have infections that can spread to the brain.

4. Treat infections properly: If you have an infectious disease, see your doctor for adequate treatment. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for antibiotics or other medications to help clear up the infection and prevent it from spreading.

5. Follow immunization recommendations: Immunizations can help you prevent certain infectious diseases that can lead to brain abscesses. Check your vaccination history and follow your doctor’s recommendations for necessary vaccinations.

6. Avoid Potentially Hazardous Situations: Avoid risky activities that could lead to head injury or infection. Wear protective equipment if you play sports or engage in activities that may put you at risk of head injury.

7. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A strong immune system will help the body fight infections. Follow a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate rest, and stress management.

8. Follow medical advice: If you have risk factors or have had a brain abscess, it is important to follow your doctor’s advice. Take the recommended medications, follow the regimen, and do all the necessary procedures and examinations to control your brain condition and prevent relapses or complications.

9. Avoid self-medication and self-diagnosis: If you suspect a brain abscess, see a qualified medical professional. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat this serious and dangerous condition. Only an experienced doctor will be able to carry out the necessary diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

10. Keep a close eye on your health: Keep a close eye on your health and contact your doctor if you experience symptoms that may indicate a possible brain abscess.