ABSTRACT
Initially, a brain abscess begins as a focal area of cerebritis, evolving to a pus-filled encapsulated mass lesion with associated vasogenic edema. A brain abscess often has an associated predisposing condition. Seizure is not an uncommon presenting symptom for brain abscess, occurring in 25" to 34" of patients. Other presentations of brain abscess include focal neurologic deficit, headache, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting. Acutely, Computed tomography (CT) scan of the head is often obtained if a mass, such as a brain abscess, is suspected. It is further characterized with an MRI of the brain. If a cerebral abscess is present, it usually demonstrates ring enhancement with gadolinium. Brain abscess is a neurosurgical emergency, requiring emergent attention and a team-based approach. Medical, nonsurgical treatment may be an option if the source is known and the abscess is small. Immediately following abscess aspiration, broad-spectrum antibiotics are started at central nervous system/cerebrospinal fluid penetrating doses.
