Brain abscess natural history, complications and prognosis
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Complications
Brain abscesses can result from a decline in consciousness. This can be catalyzed by seizures or status epilepticus. If there is an abscess rupture into the ventricular system, ventriculitis can ensue. [1]
Common complications as a result of lack of consciousness include:
- Hydrocephalus (also resulting from abscesses in the posterior fossa)
- Brain herniation
Prognosis
Over the past 50 years, the prognosis for patients with brain abscesses has improved significantly. These advances include further knowledge of cranial imaging techniques, antimicrobial treatment regimens, and the introduction of minimally invasive neurosurgical procedures. While the mortality rate was 40% in 1960, it has dropped down to 15% within the past decade alone. 70% of patients with brain abscesses have a good outcome, rarely with minimal neurological sequelae. [1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Brouwer MC, Tunkel AR, McKhann GM, van de Beek D (2014). "Brain abscess". N Engl J Med. 371 (5): 447–56. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1301635. PMID 25075836.