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brain abscess

a brain abscess is a pocket of infection that forms in the brain. depending on its size and location, a brain abscess may cause headaches, personality changes, one-sided weakness, fever and chills, nausea and vomiting, and seizures.

brain abscesses are not common. they may be caused by:

  • the spread of infection from somewhere else in the head, such as the gums (gingivitis), mouth, nose, ear, or sinus.
  • a deep head wound that penetrates the brain.
  • infection that has travelled through the bloodstream from somewhere else in the body.

treatment includes medicine to fight the infection and decrease swelling in the brain. in some cases a brain abscess requires surgical drainage.

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