Final answer:
Craniotomy and abscess drainage is the surgical intervention for an otogenic brain abscess. Antibiotic therapy can accompany the surgery if infection persists but is not the sole treatment. Radiation and chemotherapy are not relevant to this condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The surgical intervention for an otogenic brain abscess is typically craniotomy and abscess drainage. This procedure involves surgically opening the skull (craniotomy) to access the brain and then draining the abscess. Antibiotic therapy may fail to resolve the infection, as in the case of Cora who did not show improvement after a course of antibiotics, and her cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures were negative. Therefore, when antibiotics and conservative treatment do not improve the patient's condition, surgical intervention becomes necessary.
In situations where bacterial meningitis is suspected and confirmed, patients are often treated with antibiotics such as ampicillin and gentamicin, delivered intravenously. This is in line with the aggressive treatment approach that Michael received once his symptoms of meningitis did not resolve with his initial antibiotic therapy. In contrast, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are not standard treatments for an otogenic brain abscess.