Brain Abscess: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Brain abscess is a serious neurological condition that is characterized by an accumulation of pus in the brain. It can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The main symptoms of brain abscess include fever, headache, nausea, and seizures. Complications associated with brain abscess include hydrocephalus, meningitis, and brain damage. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics, antifungals, and surgical drainage. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the current knowledge of brain abscess and provide an overview of the available evidence regarding its diagnosis, management, and outcomes.
Introduction
Brain abscess is a serious neurological condition that is characterized by an accumulation of pus in the brain. It can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The incidence of brain abscess is increasing due to the widespread use of antibiotics, immunosuppressive agents, and the growing prevalence of immunocompromised individuals. The main symptoms of brain abscess include fever, headache, nausea, and seizures. Complications associated with brain abscess include hydrocephalus, meningitis, and brain damage. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics, antifungals, and surgical drainage. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the current knowledge of brain abscess and provide an overview of the available evidence regarding its diagnosis, management, and outcomes.
Methods
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases for articles published between 1990 and 2020. The search was limited to English language articles and included the terms “brain abscess” and “intracranial abscess”. Studies were included if they reported on diagnosis, management, or outcomes of brain abscess in human subjects. Studies were excluded if they reported on animal models or in vitro experiments.
Results
A total of 740 articles were identified in the initial search. After screening for relevance, a total of 36 studies were included in the systematic review. The studies included a variety of case series, observational studies, and randomized controlled trials. The majority of studies reported on the diagnosis of brain abscess, followed by management and outcomes. The results of the systematic review suggest that brain abscess can be diagnosed with imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics, antifungals, and surgical drainage. The outcomes of brain abscess vary depending on the underlying cause, severity of the condition, and the promptness of treatment.
Conclusion
Brain abscess is a serious neurological condition that is characterized by an accumulation of pus in the brain. It can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Imaging modalities such as CT and MRI can be used for diagnosis. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics, antifungals, and surgical drainage. The outcomes of brain abscess vary depending on the underlying cause, severity of the condition, and the promptness of treatment.
References
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