A brain abscess is an inflamed area in the brain containing pus, caused due to some infection in the brain.

Causes

• Infection in some part of the body carried by blood to the brain
• Infection due to some open wound in the head
• Middle ear or sinus infections

Symptoms

• Headache
• Stiffness in neck and back
• Vision problems
• Confusion
• Decreased responsiveness
• Speech problems
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Muscle weakness or paralysis

Treatment

• Antibiotics may be used to fight the infection in case of minor abscesses
• Aspiration may help in draining the abscess if reaching it does not cause damage to the brain.
• Excision may be required in some cases to surgically remove the abscess

Prevention

• Treating any infection promptly by seeking medical intervention