Question 1

what are some of the symptoms of a brain abcess?

Accepted Answer

Fever, neural sympts: Beyond generalizable symptoms of infection ie. Fevers and signs like elevated white count, elevated platelets, CRP etc. Brain abscesses will also manifest with signs related to where they are - ie. Lesion's location will determine specific signs where they are affected and if the lesion is large enough and starts to exert pressure it can also cause headaches or meningeal signs like a stiff neck.

Question 2

can you tell me how can one know if they are getting a brain abcess?

Accepted Answer

Easy: Do any of the following apply to you? 1) Fever. 2) Seizures. 3) Delirium, stupor or coma. 4) You're in an ICU, probably intubated. 5) They're looking at your brain CT &amp; they don't have happy faces. 6) You're getting heavy doses of antibiotics, antiepileptics, &amp; maybe steroids. 7) A neurosurgeon wants to cut a hole in your head. If this does not describe your current situation, you're probably OK.

Question 3

what causes abscess in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Infection: Either direct spread of an infection directly adjacent to the brain such as from air sinuses, or hematogenous spread through the bloodstream such as from an infected heart valve.  More common in patients who are immunosuppressed as well.

Question 4

what does having brain abscess mean?

Accepted Answer

Infection: Having a brain abscess meanse having a circumscribed infection or bacteria or fungus in a part of the brain.  People can manifest with confusion, fever, headache, vomiting, or seizures.  Once this is diagnosed, it usually requires hospitalization in order to start IV antibiotics and to identify the specific organism(e.g. Bug) causing the infection.

Question 5

i may have a brain abscess. what do i do?

Accepted Answer

If you fear that: You have a brain abscess then you should seek medical evaluation.

Question 6

what are the symptoms of a brain abscess?

Accepted Answer

Brain irritation: A brain abscess can develop due to infection elsewhere in the body that then travels to the brain.  Fungus and tape worms can cause brain abscess.  The abscess causes a focus of irritation in the brain that can cause headache, stroke like symptoms, and convulsions.  Some abscesses are found only when patient presents having focal seizures.

Question 7

describe the features of a brain abscess.?

Accepted Answer

Clinical/imaging: Patients can present with signs and symptoms of the abscess and surrounding edema - headaches, nausea, vomiting, weakness, seizures.

Scanning - mass on contrast-enhanced ct or MRI scanning.

Question 8

should i be concerned about a brain abscess?

Accepted Answer

If you have one, yes: You'll receive follow-up by a neurologist. Depending on the location, there may be residual effect on cognition. memory, motor planning, etc. that require a neuropsychological evaluation &amp; some remediation.

Question 9

what are the real symptoms of brain abscess?

Accepted Answer

Headaches: Headaches are very common symptom of brain abscess, but can be associated with many conditions. Fever, visual disturbance, nausea and vomiting are some other symptoms.

Question 10

how have patients described having  a brain abcess?

Accepted Answer

It is: It is described as a collection of pus or matter from a bacterial or fungal source in the brain. From it you can have changes in mental status including confusion, dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, poor focus, irritability, sudden changes in mood, muscle weakness or headaches. There may also be nausea vomiting or fever.

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I may have a brain abscess. what do i do?

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What are the symptoms of a brain abscess?

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What are the real symptoms of brain abscess?

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