Catalog

Brainstem abscess

No MMS code

Link to WHO Definition

Brainstem abscess – http://id.who.int/icd/entity/1034448562

A focal suppurative infection in the midbrain, pons, or medulla, typically surrounded by a vascularised capsule. Cerebritis describes a nonencapsulated brain abscess. The infective agent may be bacterial, fungal, or parasitic. The signs and symptoms are variable but typically present as an expanding mass lesion, over a variable period of time, with headache, fever, and a focal neurologic deficit. Seizures may occur. Diagnosis is made by neuroimaging. Microbiologic diagnosis is made by gram stain and culture of abscess material.