title: Brain abscess.
abstract: A brain abscess is defined as a localized collection of pus within the parenchyma of the brain or meninges. Brain abscesses are a complication of ear, sinus, and/or dental infections. Although they may occur in many brain locations, the most common sites are frontal and temporal lobes. Modern neuroimaging and laboratory analysis have led to prompt diagnosis and have decreased the mortality rates from brain abscess. Critical care nurses have a vital role in performing accurate neurologic assessments, timely administration of antibiotics, and management of fever.
authors: Critical Care Nursing Services, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA. tslazin@aol.com
authors: Tess
authors: T
authors: Slazinski
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001922:Brain Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology; D002494:Central Nervous System Infections; D064648:Critical Care Nursing; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010254:Paranasal Sinus Diseases / Q000382:microbiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
keywords: Aspiration; Brain abscess; Central nervous system infections; Computed tomography; Excision; Intracerebral abscess; Magnetic resonance imaging