Main Symptoms of Brain Abscess

A brain abscess is a pocket of pus that forms deep inside the brain tissue. It starts as a small infection and grows into a swollen, pressurized bubble that can damage nearby brain cells and raise pressure inside the skull. Symptoms often begin quietly but worsen quickly as the abscess expands.

The first sign is a persistent, pounding headache that gets worse over days. It may feel like pressure building from the inside and is often more intense in the morning or when bending forward.

Fever is common, but not always high. Many people feel chilled, sweaty, or just “off” for days before the headache begins. The fever may come and go, making it easy to mistake for a cold or flu.

Neck stiffness can develop early. Turning the head feels tight or painful, similar to the feeling of meningitis, and is often accompanied by a general sense of discomfort or fatigue.

Confusion or personality changes may appear. A normally calm person might become irritable, forgetful, or unusually sleepy. Family members often notice these changes first.

Seizures are a key warning sign. A person may suddenly blackout, jerk, or stare blankly for a few seconds. Even a single seizure in someone with no history should raise concern.

Vision or speech problems may occur depending on where the abscess is located. Some people have blurry vision, slurred speech, or trouble finding the right words.

If the abscess grows large enough, it can cause vomiting, drowsiness, or even loss of consciousness. These are signs of rising pressure inside the skull and require immediate attention.