Brain abscess

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Brain abscess is a serious disorder that occurs when micro-organisms such as bacteria or fungi get into the brain, causing inflammation. The bacteria or fungi, along with infected brain cells and pus, mass together in one area of the brain. They are joined by white blood cells that have been trying to fight the infection. The bodyâ€™s immune system responds by creating a membrane around this infected portion of the brain.

The swelling inside the brain can put pressure on delicate brain tissue and the mass of pus itself can block blood vessels that are supplying essential blood to parts of the brain. If prolonged, this can cause brain damage, because the oxygen supply to these tissues has been disrupted. It is therefore important to treat abscesses as early as possible.

Most brain abscesses occur when infection spreads to the brain from elsewhere in the body, mostly from nearby areas such as the ears. They can also be carried in the blood from further away areas of the body. Sometimes they are caused by head injuries or surgery.

Brain abscesses are very rare, but as long as they are treated before the person goes into a coma, 9 out of 10 people will survive. However, survivors may suffer complications; 1 in 3 will experience seizures (fits).