Symptoms of BRAIN OR EPIDURAL ABSCESS

Symptoms of a Brain abscess usually appear gradually over several hours or several days. As they enlarge, they may produce symptoms similar to a brain tumor or stroke. There is headache and sometimes nausea and vomiting. The part of the brain which is affected may not function normally. This can lead to weakness or paralysis, changes in sensation, speech difficulties, balance difficulties, lethargy and coma. Not uncommonly, a brain abscess may irritate the surrounding brain and lead to the development of a seizure, or convulsion. It the abscess ruptures into the ventricular system, the cavities within the brain where spinal fluid is produced, it can rapidly lead to hydrocephalus and meningitis. When the infection involves the outer layer of the linings of the brain, an abscess develops between the bone and the dura. In the brain, this is between the skull or facial bones and the dura. This type of infection most commonly arises from infections of the middle ear or paranasal sinuses. Epidural infections can be associated with infections of the bone, or osteomyelitis.