Value of Numerical Criteria in the Management of Brain Abscess

• Main Author: Muhammad Khalid
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Rawalpindi Medical University 2016-03-01
• Series: Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College
• Subjects: Brain abscesses; Burr hole aspiration; Total excision; Numerical Criteria
• Online Access: https://www.journalrmc.com/index.php/JRMC/article/view/207

Background. To study the value of a numerical criteria in the management of brain abscess. Methods. All Patients with brain abscess were included prospectively in this study. Decision regarding management was made on the basis of a quantified numerical criteria , based on Glasgow Coma Scale, focal neurological deficit, radiological findings and Co morbidities . According to the criteria management was divided into three groups ,i.e., urgent intervention (Burr hole and aspiration), elective surgery on next available list (total excision) and conservative treatment (empirically) Results: Thirty eight patients were studied during 16 months. According to the criteria , 8 patients were treated by burr hole in emergency, 10 patients were treated by total excision, 18 patients were treated by burr hole plus total excision and 2 patients did not undergo surgical intervention. Thirty (78.94%) cases out of 38 improved , 4 patients with hemiparesis did not improve (10.52%).Complications developed in 7 (18.42%). Four cases died (10.52%). There was no difference in the decision regarding mode of surgery based on criteria between the resident and senior consultants. Conclusion. Numerical criteria provide a reasonably useful and uniform guideline for management of brain abscesses.