Brain abscess
Alternative Names
Abscess - brain; Cerebral abscess; CNS abscessSymptoms
Symptoms may develop slowly, over a period of 2 weeks, or they may develop suddenly. They may include:
- Headache
- Stiff neck, shoulders, or back
- Aching of neck, shoulders, or back
- Vomiting
- Changes in mental status
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Inattention
- Irritability
- Slow thought processes
- Decreasing responsiveness
- Eventual coma
- Seizures
- Fever and chills
- Vision changes
- Loss of muscle function
- Decreased sensation
- Decreased movement
- Weakness
- Decreased speech (aphasia)
- Other language difficulties
- Loss of coordination
Exams and Tests
A neurological exam will usually reveal increased intracranial pressure and problems with brain function.
Tests to diagnose a brain abscess may include:
A needle biopsy is usually performed to identify the infecting organism.
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