Causes of Brain abscess

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Around 40% of brain abscesses are caused by infections spread from areas nearby in the body, in the nose, throat and ear areas. These infections include otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear), sinusitis (inflammation of the lining of the sinuses), and mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone, behind the ear).

The other common cause of brain abscesses is an infection that has spread via the blood, from a further away part of the body. For example, bacteria may spread from pneumonia in the lungs, or from the heart due to congenital heart disease. People with congenital diseases of the heart or lungs, such as cyanotic congenital heart disease, are at high risk of infections which can then spread to the brain.

A brain abscess may also arise when the brain has been injured by penetration with an infected object or missile, either in an accident or less commonly, as a result of surgery on the head or brain.

Common bacteria involved in brain abscesses include streptococcal and staphylococcal bacteria. Fungi such as candida (which causes thrush) can also cause brain infections if they get into the brain or bloodstream. Although some of these micro-organisms, such as candida, are relatively commonly found in the body, it is rare for them to get into the blood and cause an abscess.