Brain abscess natural history, complications and prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Farwa Haideri [2]

Overview

If left untreated, a brain abscess can be fatal. Common complications include abscess rupture, hydrocephalus, and brain herniation. With treatment, the mortality rate decreases to about 10% of the population.

Natural History

If left untreated, a brain abscess is almost always fatal. If there is an abscess rupture into the ventricular system, ventriculitis can result.^[1] Early detection and treatment is preferential. After surgery, some patients can experience long-term neurological problems.^[2]

Complications

Common complications include:^[1]

Prognosis

With treatment, the mortality rate is about 10% to 30%. While the mortality rate was 40% in 1960, it has dropped down to 15% within the past decade alone. About 70% of patients with brain abscesses have a good outcome, rarely with minimal neurological sequelae.^[1]

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 Brouwer MC, Tunkel AR, McKhann GM, van de Beek D (2014). “Brain abscess”. N Engl J Med. 371 (5): 447–56. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1301635. PMID 25075836.
↑ Nath A. Brain abscess and parameningeal infections. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 438.

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[pmid25075836-1] 1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 Brouwer MC, Tunkel AR, McKhann GM, van de Beek D (2014). “Brain abscess”. N Engl J Med. 371 (5): 447–56. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1301635. PMID 25075836.

[2] Nath A. Brain abscess and parameningeal infections. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 438.

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