DEFINITION
What Is A Brain Abscess?
The brain is part of the body's central nervous system. The brain functions as a central computer source, receiving, taking pictures and storing data from outside and providing data feedback.
The immune system, brain, and surrounding tissue layers help protect the brain from infection. However, some bacteria and other organisms can pass through this protective layer and cause infection. When the brain responds to this disorder by creating a small space filled with pus, this is called an abscess.
How Common Are Brain Abscesses?
Brain abscess is a rare condition and can occur at any age, but is more common in people aged 30-45 years. The risk increases if it occurs concomitantly with head trauma, drug abuse, diabetes, cancer, AIDS, serious illness, infections of the face, ear, nose and eyes. When experiencing this disease, the patient must be taken to the emergency department of the hospital immediately. The use of antibiotics, conducted tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will reduce the mortality rate by 10% due to brain abscess. Even so, almost 50% of the disease progresses to the effects of the nervous system and behavioral aspects after therapy.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of A Brain Abscess?
There are many signs and symptoms of a brain abscess. However, the most common symptoms are fever, headache, and problems related to the nervous system. Other problems include confusion, disorientation, difficulty moving and communicating, altered neurological status or weakness in the arms or legs. In addition, there are also other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, and seizures.
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When Should I See A Doctor?
You should contact your doctor immediately if you have a headache, fever, seizures, nervous disorders such as communication problems or weakness in some parts of the body,
If you have the above signs or symptoms or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
REASONS
What Causes A Brain Abscess?
Brain abscess is caused by bacteria. In addition, people with weak immune systems (such as people with AIDS) and fungi also cause this disease. Brain abscess is also a consequence of other diseases such as sinusitis, middle ear disease, dental disease, or from complications following surgical removal of a tumor in the brain.
RISK FACTORS
What Increases My Risk For A Brain Abscess?
There are many risk factors for a brain abscess, including:
- Weak or damaged immune system due to diseases such as HIV, AIDS
- Cancer, diabetes, or other chronic diseases
- Congenital heart disease
- Meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain)
- Drugs that interfere with the immune system (such as chemotherapy)
Having no risk factors doesn't mean you can't have the disease. This factor is for reference only. You should consult a specialist for more detailed information.
TREATMENT
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What Are My Treatment Options For A Brain Abscess?
The use of antibiotics, surgical abscess drainage or removal methods may be used to treat brain abscesses. Sometimes antibiotics alone can treat the disease but in some cases, you need help from other treatments. In deciding the operation to drain the abscess or the method of removal (if needed) will be determined by the therapist.
For surgical complications such as worsening conditions, strokes, and infections, drinking water and taking antibiotics can treat them. If a fungus is causing a brain abscess, special medications will be used to treat it.
What Are The Usual Tests For A Brain Abscess?
Your doctor will make a diagnosis based on your medical history, general physical examination, or CT or MRI results of the brain.
HOME REMEDIES
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat a brain abscess?
Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with a brain abscess:
- Use antibiotics as directed by your doctor. Take the medicine given.
- Realize that a diagnosis as soon as possible will have an effect on the nervous system and behavior.
- Adhere to the schedule of examinations, such as doctor's control and CT or MRI scans even if they are repeated, to make sure the disease has healed.
If you have any questions, consult a doctor for the best solution for your problem.