Brain Abscess

Excerpt

A brain abscess is a localized area of necrosis within the brain parenchyma, typically enclosed by a membrane and most often caused by infections. However, brain abscesses can occasionally result from trauma or surgery. Although brain abscesses often arise from local infections in areas such as the ear, teeth, sinuses, mastoid air cells, or epidural spaces, they may also originate from distant sites such as the lungs or heart. In young children, brain abscesses may be associated with congenital heart disease. While brain abscesses can occur at any age, they are more prevalent in individuals in their third decade of life.