Brain abscess

How does a doctor know that it's a brain abscess?

During the physical examination, your child's doctor will obtain a complete medical history of your child. In addition to urine and stool tests and a measure of your head's circumference, a doctor may do any of these diagnostic tests:

• X-ray
  • uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
• magnetic resonance imaging
  • also called an MRI
  • uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. I
  • Intravenous (IV) contrast agents may be given during the scan to better see the abscess
• computerized tomography scan
  • also called a CT or CAT scan
  • uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs.
• sputum culture
  • tests the stuff coughed up from the lungs and into the mouth.
  • helps to see if an infection is present
• lumbar puncture
  • also called a spinal tap
  • a special needle is placed into the lower back, into the spinal canal.
  • measures the pressure in the spinal canal and brain
  • a small amount of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) can be removed and sent for testing to determine if there is an infection or other problems.
• Electroencephalogram
  • also called an EEG
  • records the brain's continuous, electrical activity by means of electrodes attached to your scalp
• intracranial pressure monitoring
  • also called ICP
  • measures the pressure inside of your head