Complete excision of a brain abscess used to be the preferred method of treatment, and it is still performed occasionally today. Most commonly, now, a brain abscess is treated by:

D. Aspiration and drainage of the abscess plus systemic antibiotic administration.

DISCUSSION: In the past, the preferred treatment of a brain abscess was total surgical excision. Now that such abscesses can be followed closely by CT, aspiration and drainage is usually employed, at least initially, to reduce the mass effect, provide information about the pathogens, and lower the risk of intraventricular rupture while the abscess is treated by systemic administration of antibiotics.