A brain abscess is a pus-filled swelling in the brain caused by an infection. It is rare and life threatening.
It happens when bacteria or fungi enter the brain tissue, usually after they have infected another part of the body.
Symptoms of a brain abscess vary depending on the part of the brain affected. Commonly reported symptoms include:
- headache
- fever
- confusion
- weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
A brain abscess can be extremely serious because the swelling can put pressure on delicate brain tissue and disrupt the blood and oxygen supply to the brain. There is also a risk that the abscess may burst (rupture). If left untreated, a brain abscess can cause permanent brain damage and can be fatal.
A brain abscess is a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment with antibiotics and surgery. The surgeon will usually open the skull and drain the pus from the abscess or remove the abscess entirely.
How common are brain abscesses?
Brain abscesses are extremely rare in the UK. It is estimated that only two to three people in every million will develop a brain abscess in any given year.
Brain abscesses can occur at any age, but most cases are reported in people aged 40 or younger. They are more common in men than women.
Outlook
Because of advances in diagnostic and surgical techniques, the outlook for people with brain abscesses has improved dramatically.
Nowadays, deaths only occur in an estimated 10% of cases, and most people make a full recovery. However, without treatment, a brain abscess is nearly always fatal.
