Brain abscess epidemiology and demographics

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Overview

There has been a remarkable shift in the epidemiology of brain abscesses over the past several years. Traditionally, and still the case in underdeveloped countries, most brain abscesses are due to un / under-treated otitis and sinusitis. More recently, especially in the U.S., more cases are being seen in immunocompromised patients.

Epidemiology and Demographics

• Accounts for ~ 1 in 10,000 hospital admissions
• Seen in 0.18 – 1.3 % of autopsies.
• M:F 1.5 – 2:1.
• Bimodal age distribution: 25% of cases are seen in children < 15 yo (mean 4 – 7 yo) with another peak at 30 – 50 yo.