Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Brain abscess natural history, complications and prognosis
Introduction
Overview
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
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
Complications
Common complications include:[1]
- Abscess rupture
- Hydrocephalus
- Brain herniation
Prognosis
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
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.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Farwa Haideri [2]