Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Definition
A brain abscess is an infection which is infected by bacteria or fungus. Due to this illness a mass of immune cells, pus, and other material can occur in the brain. It is encapsulated (confined within its own area) and localized to one or more areas inside of the brain. This condition may cause problems with the brain and spinal cord function.
Brain abscesses are rare, but are more common in young school-aged children than other ages.
Causes
There are three ways a virus or bacteria can enter the body and infect the brain, including the following:
- Infection is spread from another area of infection in the body. This accounts forthe majority of brain abscess cases.
- Infection is spread through the blood stream from the lung or chest area.
- Viral or bacterial germs enter directly into the brain through an open wound in the head.
Brain abscesses commonly occur when bacteria or fungi infect part of the brain. Infected brain cells, white blood cells, and live and dead microorganisms collect in a limited area of the brain. This area becomes enclosed by a membrane that forms around it and creates a mass.
People at higher risk of developing a brain abscess include those with right-to-left heart shunts, a chronic debilitating illness like cancer, which are immunocompromised (such as AIDS patients) and those taking immunosuppressant (corticosteroids)
Symptoms
A brain abscess can cause many different symptoms. Mostly it depends on its location and its size. following are the most common symptoms of a brain abscess. However, each child may experience symptoms differently.
The most common symptoms are-
- fever
- a full or bulging fontanelle
- sleepiness or less alert than usual
- increased irritability
- high-pitched cry
- poor feeding
- projectile vomiting
- seizures
- complaints of severe headaches
- nausea and vomiting
- changes in personality or behavior
- changes in speech
- problems walking
- increased movement in the arms or legs (spasticity)
The symptoms of a brain abscess may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis. Treatment
Brain abscesses are a medical emergency. A stay in hospital will be required. Medication is the first line of treatment ifthe abscess is relatively small,it is deep within the brain and surgery would be dangerous due to an underlying condition. Surgery is an option if antibiotic and antifungal medications dont work properly. Surgery is mainly carried out to open up the abscess and drain it. At this stage, it is useful to take a sample of the fluid drained, to test it and make sure the right antibiotics or antifungals are being given.
In some cases, corticosteroid drugs such as dexamethasone can be used decrease the swelling and reduce pressure inside the skull. If possible then use this treatment when all treatment fails to fit you because it takes lots of time.
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