Brain abscess epidemiology and demographics

Overview
There has been a remarkable shift in the epidemiology of brain abscesses over the past several years. Traditionally, and still the case in underdeveloped countries, most brain abscesses are due to un / under-treated otitis and sinusitis. More recently, especially in the U.S., more cases are being seen in immunocompromised patients. Recent stats:


 * Accounts for ~ 1 in 10,000 hospital admissions
 * Seen in 0.18 – 1.3 % of autopsies.
 * M:F 1.5 – 2:1.
 * Bimodal age distribution: 25% of cases are seen in children < 15yo (mean 4 – 7yo) with another peak at 30 – 50 yo.