Brain Abscess

What can be done to prevent the infection?

It is not possible to prevent a brain abscess, except by appropriate treatment of infections anywhere in the body.

What are the long-term effects of the infection?

The destruction and/or surgical removal of the abscess and the surrounding brain may cause permanent visual impairments or cognitive impairments. Problems resulting from destruction of brain tissue may need to be treated with physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy. A person with HIV often experiences multiple abscesses that may be caused by different infections. He or she may also experience a high rate of re-infection, making treatment difficult. This is especially true if tumors are also present.

What are the risks to others?

There are no risks to others from the brain abscess, but the underlying infection may be contagious to others.