How is a brain abscess treated? Treatment includes antibiotics, surgery

Therapy for a brain abscess involves a combination of antibiotics and surgery.

In early diagnosis, if the abscess is not yet encapsulated by a membrane or the abscesses are small and multiple, treatment is initiated with antibiotics.

After diagnosis, treatment is indicated immediately. The results of microbiological examinations, which may take several days, are not awaited.

Intravenous penicillin G is administered at a daily dose of 20-24 million units in combination with 4-6 grams of chloramphenicol.

Later, depending on the result of microbiology, it is continued with appropriate antibiotics.

These active substances are used, depending on the sensitivity of the pathogen, most often in combinations:

• Metronidazole
• 3rd generation cephalosporins
• penicillin
• vancomycin
• gentamicin
• meropenem
• amphotericin

If the abscess has already formed a thick membrane, antibiotic therapy is initiated with simultaneous surgical cleaning and drainage.

The recommended duration of antibiotic therapy is 4-8 weeks.

In extensive cerebral edema, anti-edema therapy with corticosteroids and mannitol, also given intravenously at 6-hour intervals, is also indicated.

Prevention of epileptic seizures with antiepileptic drugs is also part of the treatment.