Which combination best describes signs of a brain abscess?

Which combination best describes signs of a brain abscess?

• A. Increased intracranial pressure, seizures, and fever
• B. Rash and itching
• C. Cough and dyspnea
• D. Weight loss and night sweats

Answer: (A)

Brain abscess is a focal intracranial infection that causes both mass effect and an inflammatory response. As the abscess grows, intracranial pressure rises, leading to symptoms like headache, vomiting, and other signs of raised ICP. The infection also irritates surrounding brain tissue, which can provoke seizures. Fever is common because it reflects the infectious process. So the combination that best describes signs of a brain abscess includes signs of increased intracranial pressure plus fever and seizures. Rash and itching are dermatologic signs, not typical of a brain abscess. Cough and dyspnea point to respiratory issues. Weight loss and night sweats can occur with systemic infections like TB or malignancy, but they do not specifically describe brain abscess signs.

Brain abscess is a focal intracranial infection that causes both mass effect and an inflammatory response. As the abscess grows, intracranial pressure rises, leading to symptoms like headache, vomiting, and other signs of raised ICP. The infection also irritates surrounding brain tissue, which can provoke seizures. Fever is common because it reflects the infectious process. So the combination that best describes signs of a brain abscess includes signs of increased intracranial pressure plus fever and seizures.

Rash and itching are dermatologic signs, not typical of a brain abscess. Cough and dyspnea point to respiratory issues. Weight loss and night sweats can occur with systemic infections like TB or malignancy, but they do not specifically describe brain abscess signs.