How Is a Brain Abscess Diagnosed?
Your child will likely see a pediatric neurologist for diagnosis and treatment. This is a doctor who specializes in neurologic problems. The doctor examines your child. He or she also asks about your child’s health history and symptoms. The following may then be done: • Neurologic exam to check how well your child’s nervous system is working. During the exam, the doctor checks your child’s muscle strength, balance, coordination, and reflexes. He or she may also check skills such as thinking, memory, vision, hearing, and talking. • MRI or CT scan to provide detailed pictures of the brain. These help the doctor determine the size and location of the brain abscess. Fluid called contrast dye may be used to make the brain abscess easier to see. Medication can be given to help your child stay calm and lie still during the tests. • Spinal tap (also called a lumbar puncture) to check the health of the fluid around the brain and spinal cord. This fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid. During the
