Brain abscess epidemiology and demographics

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Abscess Main Page
Brain abscess Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Brain abscess from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
CT
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Brain abscess epidemiology and demographics On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Brain abscess epidemiology and demographics All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Brain abscess epidemiology and demographics
CDC on Brain abscess epidemiology and demographics
Brain abscess epidemiology and demographics in the news
Blogs on Brain abscess epidemiology and demographics
Directions to Hospitals Treating Brain abscess
Risk calculators and risk factors for Brain abscess epidemiology and demographics

Overview

There has been a remarkable shift in the epidemiology of brain abscesses over the past several years. Traditionally, and still the case in underdeveloped countries, most brain abscesses are due to un / under-treated otitis and sinusitis. More recently, especially in the U.S., more cases are being seen in immunocompromised patients. Recent stats:

• Accounts for ~ 1 in 10,000 hospital admissions
• Seen in 0.18 – 1.3 % of autopsies.
• M:F 1.5 – 2:1.
• Bimodal age distribution: 25% of cases are seen in children < 15yo (mean 4 – 7yo) with another peak at 30 – 50 yo.