Brain abscess

Zarqa Wahid Bux

Brain abscess
• A brain abscess is a collection of infectious
material within the tissue of the brain.
• Bacteria are the most common causative
organisms. An abscess can result from intra-
cranial surgery, penetrating head injury, or
tongue piercing
Mode of transmission
• Blood born infection. From acute bacterial
endocarditis, lung abscess.
• Direct spread from adjacent sites, otitis
media , mastoiditis, sinusitis.
• Direct inoculation of bacteria, compound
fracture of the skull
Sign and symptoms

• Headache, usually worse in morning, is the

most prevailing symptom.
• Fever, vomiting, and focal neurologic
deficits (weakness and decreasing vision) occur
as well.
increased intracranial pressure (ICP) such
as decreasing level of consciousness and seizures
are observed.
Diagnostic Methods
• MRI or CT scanning to identify the size and location of the
abscess
• Aspiration of the abscess, guided by CT or MRI
• Blood cultures, identify the infectious organism
• chest X-ray,
• electroencephalogram (EEG)
• NOTE lumber puncture procedure which is performed in
many infectious disorder of the central nervous system
contraindicated in this condition, because moving a certain
portion of cerebro spinal fluid may alter the intracranial
pressure balances and cause the brain tissue to move across
structure with in the skull.
Medical Management
• The goal is to eliminate the abscess.
• Treatment include antimicrobial therapy,
surgical incision, or aspiration (CT guided
stereotactic needle).
• Medications used include corticosteroids to
reduce the inflammatory cerebral edema and
antiseizure medications for prophylaxis against
seizures (phenytoin, phenobarbital).
Nursing management

Administer antimicrobial medication as ordered

observe for neurological deficits like seizures,
visual deficits etc..
• Constantly monitor the level of consciousness
and the physical status
• Assess patient’s response to the treatment and
provide supportive care
• Always provide safety measures
Complication of brain abscess
• Cranial nerve paralysis
• hydrocephalus