Brain abscess risk factors

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

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Overview

Common risk factors in the development of brain abscess are immunodeficiency, chronic diseases, and congenital heart diseases. Brain abscesses can result from a decline in consciousness. This can be caused by seizures or status epilepticus. If there is an abscess rupture into the ventricular system, ventriculitis can result.

Risk Factors

Common risk factors in the development of brain abscesses include: <ref Nath A. Brain abscess and parameningeal infections. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 438.>

• A weakened immune system (such as in AIDS patients)
• Chronic disease, such as cancer or Osler-weber-rendu syndrome
• Drugs that suppress the immune system (corticosteroids or chemotherapy)
• Right-to-left heart shunts, usually the result of congenital heart disease