Background:
In spite of the rapid advances in both diagnostic and therapeutic roles in the field of central nervous system infections, brain abscesses remain a difficult challenge that faces physicians to choose the ideal management route. The abscess is a result of the patient’s internal conflict between immunity and the virulence of the organism. This study is to report our local experience in Sohag university hospital regarding the demographic data, etiology, location, radiological data and outcome of our patients.
Patients & method:
A retrospective study includes 16 patients in 4 years; between November 2009 and November 2013, treated in neurosurgery department, blood culture was done for them. They were diagnosed with CT brain with contrast. They were treated either medically or surgically and followed for six months after the initial management.
Results:
Brain abscesses were more common in males with 13 cases, the most common age was the second decade, the most common presentation was fever, headache and depressed level of consciousness, and middle ear diseases were the most common source. Most patients improved after proper management (GOS 1 and 2). One case died due to comorbidities.
Conclusion:
A wise use of the management options leads to the best outcome; it is a disease of young males and debilitated persons. The most crucial prognostic factor is the initial Glasgow coma Scale.