Brain abscess physical examination: Difference between revisions

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==Overview==
==Overview==
The symptoms of brain abscess are caused by a combination of increased [[intracranial pressure]] due to a space-occupying lesion ([[headache]], [[vomiting]], [[confusion]], [[coma]]), [[infection]] ([[fever]], [[fatigue]] etc.) and focal neurologic brain tissue damage ([[hemiparesis]], [[aphasia]] etc.). The symptoms and findings depend largely on the specific location of the [[abscess]] in the brain.


==Physical Examination==
==Physical Examination==
The symptoms of brain abscess are caused by a combination of increased [[intracranial pressure]] due to a space-occupying lesion ([[headache]], [[vomiting]], [[confusion]], [[coma]]), [[infection]] ([[fever]], [[fatigue]] etc.) and focal neurologic brain tissue damage ([[hemiparesis]], [[aphasia]] etc.). The symptoms and findings depend largely on the specific location of the [[abscess]] in the brain. An [[abscess]] in the [[cerebellum]], for instance, may cause additional complaints as a result of [[brain stem]] compression and [[hydrocephalus]]. [[Neurological examination]] may reveal a stiff neck in occasional cases (erroneously suggesting meningitis). The famous triad of [[fever]], headache and focal neurologic findings are highly suggestive of [[brain abscess]] but are observed only in approximately 40-50% of patients.<ref> Brain Abscess. Wikipedia (2015). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain_abscess#Signs_and_symptoms Accessed on October 7, 2015</ref><ref name="pmid25075836">{{cite journal| author=Brouwer MC, Tunkel AR, McKhann GM, van de Beek D| title=Brain abscess. | journal=N Engl J Med | year= 2014 | volume= 371 | issue= 5 | pages= 447-56 | pmid=25075836 | doi=10.1056/NEJMra1301635 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=25075836  }} </ref>
===Appearance of the patient===
*[[Fatigue]]
* Drowsiness
* Speech difficulties


The most frequent presenting symptoms are:
===Vital signs===
*[[Dysarthria]]
*[[Fevers]]
*[[Headache]]
*[[Headache]]
**Most common complaint, seen in greater than 75% of patients
**Most common complaint, seen in greater than 75% of patients
*[[Drowsiness]]
 
*[[Mental confusion|Confusion]]
===Neck===
*[[Seizure]]s
* Stiffness in neck (in occasional cases)
** 25% of patients present with new-onset seizures
 
===Neuromuscular===
*[[Altered mental status]]
*[[Hemiparesis]]
*[[Hemiparesis]]
** Approximately 30-50% of patients will have focal neurological deficits  
** Approximately 30-50% of patients will have focal neurological deficits  
* Speech difficulties and fever
*Eventual [[coma]]
* Signs of increased [[ICP]] (N/V, [[lethargy]] etc.) can be seen in up to 50% of patients, and is usually an indication for immediate intervention.
*[[Aphasia]]
*[[Ataxia]]
* Signs of increased [[ICP]] (N/V, [[lethargy]] etc.)  
** This is an indication for immediate intervention.
 


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 19:20, 26 October 2015

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

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Overview

The symptoms of brain abscess are caused by a combination of increased intracranial pressure due to a space-occupying lesion (headache, vomiting, confusion, coma), infection (fever, fatigue etc.) and focal neurologic brain tissue damage (hemiparesis, aphasia etc.). The symptoms and findings depend largely on the specific location of the abscess in the brain.


Physical Examination

Appearance of the patient

  • Fatigue
  • Drowsiness
  • Speech difficulties

Vital signs

Neck

  • Stiffness in neck (in occasional cases)

Neuromuscular


References

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