Brain abscesses commonly occur when bacteria or fungi infect part of the brain. The source of the infection is often not found. However, the most common source is a lung infection. The germs that cause a brain abscess usually reach the brain through the blood. Less often, a heart infection is to blame. Germs may also travel from a nearby infected area (for example, an ear infection) or enter the body during an injury (such as a gun or knife wound) or surgery.
Brain abscesses commonly occur when bacteria or fungi infect part of the brain. The source of the infection, however, is often not found. The germs that cause a brain abscess usually reach the brain through the blood. Germs may also travel from a nearby infected area (such as an ear infection), can enter the body during an injury (from a gun or knife wound), or result from surgery. Though not as often, a heart infection can also be a cause of brain abscesses.<ref> Tunkel AR. Brain abscess. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds.Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases</ref><ref> Tunkel AR, Scheld WM. Brain abscess. In: Winn HR, ed.Youman's Neurological Surgery</ref>
In children with heart disease or a birth defect, such as those with [[Tetralogy of Fallot (patient information)|tetralogy of fallot]], infections are more able to reach the brain from the intestines, teeth, or other body areas.
Brain abscesses commonly occur when bacteria or fungi infect part of the brain. The source of the infection, however, is often not found. The germs that cause a brain abscess usually reach the brain through the blood. Germs may also travel from a nearby infected area (such as an ear infection), can enter the body during an injury (from a gun or knife wound), or result from surgery. Though not as often, a heart infection can also be a cause of brain abscesses.[1][2]
Life Threatening Causes
Life-threatening conditions may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated.