Getting rid of Infectious process of Brain Abscess
A brain abscess is perceived as a collection of immune cells, pus, and other material in the brain, usually due to a bacterial or fungal infection.
Major Causes of Brain Abscess
Brain abscesses are very dangerous and occur when bacteria or fungi infect part of the brain. Swelling and irritation (inflammation) develop in response. The brain cells, which are infected contain white blood cells, living and dead bacteria, and fungi collection in an area of the brain. A membrane gets formed around this area and it creates a mass.
This type of immune response can protect the brain by isolating the infection but can also do more harm than good. The brain cells get swelled up because the skull cannot expand and the mass may put pressure on delicate brain tissue. Infected cells can block the blood vessels of the brain.
The bacteria or fungi that cause a brain abscess to reach the brain through the blood. The source of the infection is usually not found. But the most common source is a lung infection. Bacteria or fungi may also travel from a nearby infected area (for example, an ear infection) or be introduced into the body during an injury (such as a gun or knife wound) or surgery.
Common Symptoms of Brain Abscess
Symptoms may vary for different individual and thus there might be sometimes a confusion related to the diagnosis. Still, some the common symptoms include fever, bulging of fontanelle, there is lack of sleepiness or alertness in kids or younger children. In addition to that, there is increased irritability, high pitched cry, projectile vomiting and seizures observed.
Now, when it comes to older children, fever, severe headaches, frequent nausea, and vomiting. There are sudden changes in behavior and speech. The child might start walking slow or there might be a rapid arm and leg movement. On several occasion, the symptoms of a brain abscess may mirror other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
Treatment for Brain Abscess
Since different age groups show different symptoms for the brain abscess, so it is necessary that specific treatment for brain abscess should be determined by the doctor based on your child's age, overall health, and medical history. In addition to that, the extent of the condition, your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies etc. are some of the basic criteria kept in mind before the treatment starts.
The only key to treat a brain abscess is early detection and treatment. A child with a brain abscess requires immediate hospitalization, followed by surgery, and close monitoring thereafter. The ultimate goal of treatment is to reduce the pressure in the head and to properly drain the infection. There are medications which are used to control the infection, seizures, fever, and/or other conditions that may be present.
As the child recovers, physical, occupational, or speech therapy may be needed to help the child regain muscle strength and/or speech skills.
The healthcare team educates the family after hospitalization on how to best care for their child at home and outlines specific clinical problems that require immediate medical attention by his/her physician.
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Spine & Brain Surgery Treatment in Delhi can be taken care of by Dr. Shailesh Jain at his clinical setup Arihant Neuro center. If you observe even a single symptom of the abscess in your child or anyone dear to you, do not hesitate immediately consulting him.
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