Brain abscess physical examination

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

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Overview

==Physical Examination==

Appearance of the patient

• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Speech difficulties

Vital signs

• Dysarthria
• Fevers
• Headache
  • Most common complaint, seen in greater than 75% of patients

Neck

• Stiffness in neck (in occasional cases)

Neuromuscular

• Altered mental status
• Hemiparesis
  • Approximately 30-50% of patients will have focal neurological deficits
• Eventual coma
• Aphasia
• Ataxia
• Signs of increased ICP (N/V, lethargy etc.)
  • This is an indication for immediate intervention.