brain abscess

medicine

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

A brain abscess is a pus-filled cavity within the brain, typically caused by a bacterial infection. This infection can spread through the bloodstream from a distant infection or occur after a skull fracture. Symptoms often mimic those of viral encephalitis.1

Treatment usually involves antibiotics chosen based on the specific bacteria causing the infection. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove scar tissue from the abscess. It is crucial to prevent the pus from spreading into the bloodstream, which could lead to new abscesses in surrounding tissues.12

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ear disease
Middle ear
…covering of the brain) or brain abscess. The large vein that drains blood from the brain passes through the mastoid bone on its way to the jugular vein in the neck. Infection from the middle ear can extend to this vein, resulting in “blood poisoning” (infection of the bloodstream, also…
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…covering of the brain) or brain abscess. The large vein that drains blood from the brain passes through the mastoid bone on its way to the jugular vein in the neck. Infection from the middle ear can extend to this vein, resulting in “blood poisoning” (infection of the bloodstream, also…
Read More

nervous system disease
Abscess
Cerebral abscess is caused by bacterial infection that may be carried via the bloodstream, in cases of generalized or distant infection, or may result from infection following a skull fracture. Infection produces a pus-filled abscess, usually localized close to the site of the original…
Read More
Cerebral abscess is caused by bacterial infection that may be carried via the bloodstream, in cases of generalized or distant infection, or may result from infection following a skull fracture. Infection produces a pus-filled abscess, usually localized close to the site of the original…
Read More