Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is a brain abscess?
- How common is brain abscess?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of a brain abscess?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes brain abscess?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for brain abscess?
- Medicines & Medicines
- What are my treatment options for a brain abscess?
- What are the usual tests for a brain abscess?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat a brain abscess?
Definition
What is a brain abscess?
A brain abscess is a condition in which a small, pus-filled space forms in the brain.
The immune system, brain, and surrounding tissue layers help protect the brain from infection. Even so, some bacteria and other organisms can pass through this protective layer and cause infection. When the brain responds to this disorder by creating a tiny space filled with pus, it is called an abscess.
Keep in mind, that the brain is part of the body's central nervous system. The brain functions as a central source of computers, receiving, taking pictures and storing data from outside and providing feedback data.
How common is brain abscess?
Brain abscess is a rare condition and can occur at any age, but it is more common in people aged 30-45. The risk increases if it occurs in conjunction with head trauma, drug abuse, diabetes, cancer, AIDS, serious illness, face, ear, nose and eye infections.
When experiencing this disease, the patient must be taken to the hospital emergency room immediately. Use of antibiotics, conducted tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will reduce the 10% mortality due to brain abscess. Even so, nearly 50% of diseases progress 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 call your doctor immediately if you have headaches, fever, seizures, nervous disorders such as communication problems or weakness of parts of the body,
If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
Cause
What causes brain abscess?
Brain abscess is a condition caused by bacteria. In addition, people with weak immune systems (such as people with AIDS) and frequent fungal infections can also develop this disease. Brain abscess is also a consequence of other diseases such as sinusitis, middle ear disease, dental disease, or from complications after surgical removal of tumors in the brain.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for brain abscess?
Brain abscess is a condition that has many risk factors, including:
- The immune system is weak or damaged by diseases such as HIV, AIDS.
- Cancer, diabetes, or other chronic diseases.
- Congenital heart disease.
- Meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain).
- Medicines that interfere with the immune system (such as chemotherapy)
Having no risk factors does not mean you cannot suffer from this disease. These factors are for reference only. You should consult a specialist for more detailed information.
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for a brain abscess?
Antibiotics, abscess drainage surgery or other methods of removal can be used to treat a brain abscess. Sometimes antibiotics alone can treat the disease but in some cases, you need help from other medications. In deciding on 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, stroke, and infections, consumption of water and antibiotics can treat it. If the fungus is causing the brain abscess, special drugs will be used to treat it.
What are the usual tests for a brain abscess?
The doctor will make the diagnosis based on 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 treat a brain abscess:
Use antibiotics as directed by your doctor. Finish the medicine given.
Realize that the diagnosis as soon as possible will affect the nervous system and behavior.
Adhere to the check-up schedule, such as doctor's control and CT or MRI scans even if they are done repeatedly, to ensure that the disease is cured.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
