Muhammad Khalid, Umer Farooq Raina, Tahir Khaleeq, Samina Khaleeq, Khaleeq-uz Zaman.
Value of Numerical Criteriain the Management of Brain Abscess.
J Rawal Med Coll Jan ;20(1):7-11.

Background.To study the value of a numerical criteria in the management of brain abscess.Methods. All Patients with brain abscess were included prospectively in this study. Decision regarding management was made on the basis of a quantified numerical criteria , based on GlasgowComa Scale, focal neurological deficit, radiological findings and Co morbidities. According to the criteria management was divided into three groups ,i.e.,urgent intervention (Burr hole and aspiration), elective surgery on next available list (total excision) and conservative treatment (empirically) Results:Thirty eight patients were studied during 16 months. According to the criteria , 8 patients were treated by burr hole in emergency, 10 patients were treated by total excision, 18 patients were treated by burr hole plus total excision and 2 patients did not undergo surgical intervention. Thirty (78.94%) cases out of 38 improved , 4 patients with hemiparesis did not improve (10.52%).Complications developed in 7 (18.42%). Four cases died (10.52%). There was no difference in the decision regarding mode of surgery based on criteria between the resident and senior consultants.Conclusion. Numerical criteria provide a reasonably useful and uniform guideline for management of brain abscesses.

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