Amoebic brain abscess

Amoebic Brain Abscess

Amoebic brain abscess (pronunciation: uh-mee-bik breyn ab-ses) is a rare but serious medical condition caused by the infection of the brain by amoebae, single-celled organisms.

Etymology

The term "amoebic brain abscess" is derived from the Greek word "amoibe," meaning change, and the Latin word "abscessus," meaning a going away, referring to the pus that goes away from the body in an abscess.

Definition

An amoebic brain abscess is a collection of pus in the brain caused by a parasitic infection, specifically by amoebae. This condition is also known as a cerebral amoebiasis or amoebic encephalitis.

Causes

The primary cause of an amoebic brain abscess is the infection by free-living amoebae, such as Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba species. These amoebae are typically found in warm freshwater environments and soil. Infection usually occurs when contaminated water enters the body through the nose, allowing the amoebae to travel to the brain via the olfactory nerves.

Symptoms

Symptoms of an amoebic brain abscess can include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, seizures, and altered mental status. The symptoms can progress rapidly, often leading to severe neurological impairment or death if not treated promptly.

Treatment

Treatment for an amoebic brain abscess typically involves a combination of medications to kill the amoebae, including antimicrobial and antifungal drugs, and surgery to drain the abscess and relieve pressure on the brain.

Related Terms

• Amoebiasis
• Encephalitis
• Abscess
• Naegleria fowleri
• Acanthamoeba

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Amoebic brain abscess
• Wikipedia's article - Amoebic brain abscess

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