Brain Abscess

Clinical features

• Headache – often severe and localised
• Altered mental state
• Focal neurological signs including diplopia
• High fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures

Investigations

• Blood culture
• CT brain

Infection control

Nil specific

Treatment

Discuss with Neurosurgery

Discuss with Microbiology regarding antibiotic choice. CEFTRIAXONE is a restricted antimicrobial for this indication and you will need an authorisation code

CEFTRIAXONE (IV)  2g 12 hourly

Plus

METRONIDAZOLE (PO)  400mg 8 hourly (IV at 500mg 8 hourly if oral route is unavailable)