Cure of a solitary brainstem abscess with antibiotic therapy: case report.

A solitary brainstem abscess is uncommon. The use of antibiotics and surgical aspiration or excision of a brainstem abscess has resulted in survivors. Survival after treatment of a brainstem abscess with antibiotics alone has been reported rarely, and we present the eighth study case. The patient made an excellent recovery after 12 weeks of antibiotics, with 8 weeks completed as an outpatient. Medical management of a solitary brainstem abscess in an immunocompetent patient is feasible and may result in a complete cure with antibiotics only. Completion of IV antibiotics as an outpatient is viable and cost-effective in selected patients.