Treating a brain abscess A brain abscess is regarded as a medical emergency. Swelling caused by the abscess can disrupt the blood and oxygen supply to the brain. There's also a risk of the abscess bursting (rupturing). If left untreated, a brain abscess can cause permanent brain damage and could be fatal. A brain abscess is usually treated using a combination of: medicines – either antibiotics or antifungals surgery – either draining the pus through a hole in the skull (simple aspiration) or opening the skull and removing the abscess entirely (craniotomy) Treatment with antibiotics often begins before a diagnosis is confirmed, to reduce the risk of complications.