BRAIN ABSCESS Meaning and
Definition
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A brain abscess is a localized collection of pus caused by an infection that forms within the brain tissue. It is a relatively rare condition but can have serious consequences if left untreated. The infection typically arises from a nearby or distant source, such as a sinus or middle ear infection, oral infection, or as a complication of a head injury or brain surgery.
The abscess forms when infectious bacteria or fungi invade the brain tissue, triggering an immune response and causing the accumulation of pus. As the abscess grows, it creates pressure and inflammation, leading to symptoms including severe headaches, fever, neck stiffness, vomiting, changes in mental status, and neurological deficits. In some cases, seizures and coma may occur.
Diagnosis of a brain abscess typically involves a combination of physical examination, imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI, and laboratory analysis of cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach, including surgical drainage of the abscess, administration of intravenous antibiotics or antifungal medications to target the causative agent, and management of symptoms and complications.
Without prompt and appropriate treatment, a brain abscess can be life-threatening. Potential complications include brain damage, cerebral edema (swelling of the brain), meningitis, abscess rupture, and sepsis. Therefore, early recognition, diagnosis, and intervention are crucial in improving the prognosis and preventing potentially devastating outcomes associated with brain abscesses.
Common Misspellings for BRAIN ABSCESS
- vrain abscess
- nrain abscess
- hrain abscess
- grain abscess
- beain abscess
- bdain abscess
- bfain abscess
- btain abscess
- b5ain abscess
- b4ain abscess
- brzin abscess
- brsin abscess
- brwin abscess
- brqin abscess
- braun abscess
- brajn abscess
- brakn abscess
- braon abscess
- bra9n abscess
- bra8n abscess
Etymology of BRAIN ABSCESS
The word "brain abscess" is composed of two components: "brain" and "abscess".
- "Brain" comes from the Middle English word "brayn" which originated from the Old English word "brægen" or "brægn", which referred to the organ inside the skull. The Old English term can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "bragną" and ultimately to the Proto-Indo-European root "*mreǵʰ-", meaning "skull" or "brain".
- "Abscess" comes from the Latin word "abscessus", which means "a going away" or "a gathering of humors". It is derived from the verb "ab-" meaning "away" or "off" and the noun "cessus", meaning "departure" or "a going".
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