Multiple or widespread intracranial abscess

Definition

Multiple focal suppurative infections within the cranial cavity, including the epidural and subdural spaces, or in the brain, brainstem or cerebellum. The abscesses are typically surrounded by a vascularised capsule. Cerebritis describes nonencapsulated brain abscesses. The infective agent may be bacterial, fungal, or parasitic. The signs and symptoms are variable but typically present as an expanding mass lesion, over a variable period of time, with headache, fever, and a focal neurologic deficit. Seizures may occur. Diagnosis is made by neuroimaging and microbiological testings as Gram stain and culture of abscess material.

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