The incidence of intracranial abscess is low in countries where antimicrobial treatment for infections is widespread (e.g. 2–3 per million in the United Kingdom), but they remain frequent causes of space-occupying masses in developing countries.

Aetiology—abscesses may be classified by (1) Route of transmission, including (a) direct—from a local source of infection, e.g. otitis media; (b) haematogenous—from a distant source, e.g. endocarditis, bronchiectasis, other septic lung conditions; or (c) following cranial surgery or fracture. (2) Microbiology—the commonest organisms are aerobic,...

The incidence of intracranial abscess is low in countries where antimicrobial treatment for infections is widespread (e.g. 2–3 per million in the United Kingdom), but they remain frequent causes of space-occupying masses in developing countries.

Aetiology—abscesses may be classified by (1) Route of transmission, including (a) direct—from a local source of infection, e.g. otitis media; (b) haematogenous—from a distant source, e.g. endocarditis, bronchiectasis, other septic lung conditions; or (c) following cranial surgery or fracture. (2) Microbiology—the commonest organisms are aerobic, anaerobic and micro-aerophilic streptococci, ...