Brain Abscess
A brain abscess is an area of infection within the brain.
What is going on in the body?
A brain abscess is an area of infection within the brain that is usually separated from the rest of the brain by tissue. The abscess is toxic to the surrounding brain and produces swelling, pressure, and inflammation. It can also result in swelling of the brain tissue.
What are the causes and risks of the infection?
A brain abscess is generally caused by bacterial spread from an infection elsewhere in the body. These infections include:
a blood infection known as sepsis
sinusitis
post-operative infections
A person with HIV is more likely to have brain abscesses due to his or her weakened immune system.
Brain abscesses expand over time, placing the surrounding brain at risk. If left untreated, the increasing size of the abscess will cause death.
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