How is a brain abscess treated?
To make a diagnosis, the doctor will study the patient's medical history, get acquainted with the symptoms, complaints, and will be interested in whether you have traveled recently.
The doctor must know the following information:
- Have you had an infection or not;
- Do you have a weak immune system?
It should be noted that the symptoms of a brain abscess are often similar to the symptoms of other diseases, infections, therefore, it will take some time to diagnose.
The following types of studies are provided:
- Blood analysis;
- Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging;
- Aspiration with ct control.
Treatment methods are either surgical intervention or drug therapy.
When a brain abscess is suspected, appropriate antibiotics are immediately prescribed - the abscess may be life-threatening, therefore, it requires a timely response.
If the tests reveal that the infection is viral and not bacterial, the doctor will change the course.
The effectiveness of treatment depends on the following:
- Volume of abscess;
- How many abscesses are formed;
- The cause of the abscess;
- General state of health of the patient.
If the abscess is larger than 2 centimeters, the doctor will consider aspiration, drainage or excision necessary.
In the case of multiple abscesses, the surgeon will recommend aspiration.
Any history of primary infection (for example, lung, abdominal, nasal) should be managed.
Surgery is required if:
- Pressure in the brain increases;
- Abscess is not subject to drug treatment;
- Mixed with an abscess;
- There is a risk of abscess rupture.
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