Brain Abscess
Definition
Brain abscess is a bacterial infection within the brain.
Description
The brain is usually well insulated from infection by bacteria, protected by the skull, the meninges (tissue layers surrounding the brain), the immune system, and the highly regulated barrier between the bloodstream and the brain. Under certain circumstances, however, bacteria can invade the brain and cause a localized infection called an abscess. Brain abscess is relatively rare, accounting for 1 in 10,000 hospital admissions. Single abscess occurs in 75% of cases, and the remainder of cases involve multiple abscesses. If not treated, brain abscess is almost always fatal.
Causes and symptoms
One-half of all brain abscesses are caused by the spread of bacteria from a nearby infection. Sources of bacteria include:
- middle ear infections (
[The entire page is 1075 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
