Current concepts in the pathogenesis and management of brain abscesses in children

Brain abscesses represent the most frequent intracranial suppurative process occurring in children. Improved bacteriologic techniques for isolating anaerobic microorganisms have shown that anaerobes play a major role in brain abscesses in conjunction with aerobic organisms such as alpha-streptococci. Computerized tomography has improved the diagnosis of brain abscesses and has changed the management in certain circumstances. Although surgical drainage still remains the definitive treatment modality, conservative medical management with serial CT scans has been successful. Still, the mortality and morbidity of brain abscesses remain substantial.