Brain Abscess
A brain abscess is an infection in the brain that is confined within its own area and localized to one or more areas inside of the brain. This condition may cause problems with the brain and spinal cord function. Brain abscesses can occur in all children but are more common in young school-aged children. They also occur twice as often in males than in females.

The more common causes of a brain abscess include viruses and bacteria. There are three ways a virus or bacteria can enter the body and infect the brain, including:

• Infection is spread from another area of infection in the body. This accounts for approximately 20-50% of brain abscess cases.
• Infection is spread through the blood stream from the lung or chest area.
• Viral or bacterial germs enter directly into the brain through an open wound in the head.

Encephalitis
Encephalitis is a term used to describe inflammation of the brain. This condition causes problems with the brain and spinal cord function. The inflammation causes the brain to swell, which leads to changes in the child's neurologic condition, including mental confusion and seizures.

The cause of encephalitis varies depending on the season, the area of the country and the exposure of the child. Viruses are the leading cause of encephalitis. Although vaccines for viruses such as measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox have greatly lowered the rate of encephalitis from these diseases, other viruses can cause encephalitis. These include herpes simplex virus and rabies.

Encephalitis can also occur following infection by disease-carrying agents including ticks (Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever), mosquitoes (West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis), and cats (toxoplasmosis and cat-scratch disease).

Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). CSF is the fluid within the open spaces of the brain that protect and cushion the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is most often caused by a bacterial or viral infection. A fungus or parasite may also cause meningitis. The severity of a child's symptoms and prognosis depend on the specific organism that is causing the meningitis. Meningitis can occur in infants, children and adults.

Reye syndrome
Reye syndrome is a condition that affects the normal chemical balance in the body, resulting in damage to the brain, kidneys and liver.

As the inflammation in the brain increases, the pressure inside of the head may also increase. The increased pressure in the head causes neurological changes in the child. Reye syndrome has a very rapid onset that can cause the child to go into a coma or can result in death within hours of the symptoms.

The exact cause of Reye syndrome is unknown. The more common cases of Reye syndrome are associated with a viral infection from a respiratory infection, chickenpox or diarrhea.

Specific treatment for your child’s brain infection will be based on a number of factors, including:

• Your child's age, overall health and medical history
• Extent of the disease
• Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies
• Expectations for the course of the disease
• Your opinion or preference

Treatments we offer include:

• Antimicrobial treatment
• Breathing support
• Surgery for brain abscesses
• Procedures to decrease increased pressure in the brain

High national rankings: The Neurosciences Center at Children's Wisconsin ranks among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report. Our neuroimaging program has been designated a Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology, making it the third pediatric hospital in the United States to earn the award.

Cutting-edge diagnosis and treatment options: We offer the most advanced diagnosis and treatment options for various neurological and neurosurgical conditions. Each child's treatment plan is highly customized to ensure your child always receives the very best care.

Outstanding surgical quality: We're the only Level 1 Children's Surgery Center (highest level possible) in the state. We have superior neurosurgical outcomes, and we offer both minimally invasive and traditional surgical options for various conditions. Our board-certified pediatric neurosurgeons work closely with patient families to determine the best option for each child.

After we evaluate your child’s medical history, we’ll recommend tests and treatments based on your child’s individual needs.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed to confirm the diagnosis include:

• Blood and liver function tests
• Urine and stool tests
• Biopsy
• Culture
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
• Intracranial pressure monitoring (ICP) — measures the pressure inside of the child's skull
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• X-ray