What Is Cerebral Abscess?

A cerebral abscess is usually caused by the spread of the infection from the septic disease in the ear, the mastoid cells or the nasal sinuses.  A cerebral abscess can also result from a septic embolus lodging in the brain, particularly in the cases of bronchiectasis.

Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms are essentially the same as in cerebral tumors.  The patient suffers from severe headaches, vomiting, papilloedema, drowsiness, convulsions or fits, slow pulse, and mental changes, with the addition of fever.  There will be signs of increased pressure and also the localizing signs according to the signs to the site of abscess in the brain.  Signs of infection, like fever and raised white cells count help to distinguish abscess from tumor.  Evidence of septic ear disease or bronchiectasis also helps in the diagnosis.

Treatment
Antibiotics are of great value, but, in addition an operation to evacuate the abscess may be necessary.  Penicillin and streptomycin may be injected locally into the abscess cavity after evacuation of the abscess to prevent infection or a probable relapse. The primary focus of infection (ear, mastoid. Nasal sinuses etc) must also be dealt with by appropriate measures, taking care that the infection is not increased.