A detailed analysis of brain abscess in the East Cost of North East Peninsular Malaysian, 1990-1996

Abstract

Sixty patients with brain abscess were treated by the Neurosurgical Unit of the Department of Surgery, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from January 1990 until December 1996. A retrospective study was done and data were collected from the
computerised registry of the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Good results were attained in patients who were treated both surgically and medically. There was only one death in that group. The mortality was high in patients treated solely by medical means. Death was common in patients who presented with the acute onset of symptoms of less than one week's duration and those with poor mental status. Brain abscess in common in the East Coast population possibly of Malaysia, due in part to its lower socio-economic status. The main factor that influences morbidity and mortality is the clinical presentation on admission. Efforts should be directed toward prevention of infection and early recognition and management.