Abstract

Two hundred cases of intracranial supratentorial abscess have been reviewed: 100 spanned the years 1951 to 1957, and 100 the years 1962 to 1967. The mortality rate of 40% was the same in both series, chiefly owing to continuing inaccurate localization of the abscess and inadequate use of antibiotics. The hazards of lumbar puncture are real, and this procedure is contra-indicated when convulsions, signs of a hemisphere disturbance, or papilloedema are present. Of the methods for localizing intracranial abscess the site of E.N.T. sepsis, ventriculography, and brain scanning were found to be the most valuable. Penicillin in high dosage continues to be the most important antibiotic. The results of assiduously repeated burrhole aspiration compare favourably with those of later excision.