Brain Abscess

What are the treatments for the infection?

Antibiotic medication will be given as treatment, usually followed by surgery. Since the abscess is blocked off from the rest of the brain, the antibiotics generally treat the surrounding brain. This helps to avoid infection of that part of the brain during and after surgery. There is a low risk of death during or from surgery, but there is a greater risk of death for those with HIV.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Infection to the part of the brain being operated on can lead to death or high rates of re-infection.

What happens after treatment for the infection?

Testing for HIV, AIDS, or other diseases such as diabetes is crucial in determining appropriate follow-up treatment.

How is the infection monitored?

During treatment with antibiotics, the abscess can be monitored with cranial CT scans or cranial MRIs. The individual will also be monitored for signs of brain swelling, which can be treated with medications to reduce the swelling.