Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Preparation of Agar Bead Embedded Mycobacterium abscessus to Inoculate Immunocompetent Mice Intratracheally
05:40

Preparation of Agar Bead Embedded Mycobacterium abscessus to Inoculate Immunocompetent Mice Intratracheally

Published on: April 25, 2025

Bacterial abscess of the medulla oblongata

Scott D Wait1, Elisa J Beres, Peter Nakaji

  • 1Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona 85013, USA.

Journal of Clinical Neuroscience : Official Journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
|May 8, 2009
PubMed

Insights

A rare and often fatal medullary abscess can be successfully treated. Prompt diagnosis and microneurosurgical drainage of brainstem abscesses offer good outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Brainstem abscesses, particularly in the medulla oblongata, are exceptionally rare and carry a high mortality rate.
  • Early diagnosis of medullary abscesses necessitates a high index of clinical suspicion and advanced neuroimaging techniques.

Observation:

  • A 69-year-old female patient presented with an isolated medulla oblongata abscess.
  • The abscess manifested as rapidly progressive multiple cranial nerve palsies and diminished consciousness.

Findings:

  • Microneurosurgical incision and drainage of the medullary abscess were successfully performed.
  • The patient received comprehensive treatment including maximal antibiotic therapy, intensive care, and extended rehabilitation.

Implications:

  • Prompt diagnosis and immediate microneurosurgical intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes in medullary abscess cases.
  • Aggressive management combining surgical drainage and maximal medical therapy can lead to good patient recovery.

Related Concept Videos

Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Brainstem: Control Centers of Medulla01:21

Brainstem: Control Centers of Medulla

The medulla oblongata is a crucial part of the brainstem responsible for controlling various autonomic and involuntary functions. It contains several nuclei, including the olivary, cuneate, gracile, and solitary nuclei.
Olivary Nucleus
The olivary nucleus, or inferior olivary nucleus, is located within the ventrolateral part of the medulla oblongata. It is primarily involved in motor coordination and motor learning. The olivary nucleus receives input from the spinal cord, cerebellum, and motor...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...