What symptom is commonly associated with a brain abscess, particularly when present in children?

Severe headaches are commonly associated with brain abscesses in children due to increased intracranial pressure and irritation of the central nervous system. The presence of an abscess can cause localized inflammation and swelling within the brain, leading to pain that may present as severe, persistent headaches. In children, these headaches might be accompanied by other neurological symptoms, including changes in behavior, irritability, or even altered consciousness, which are indicative of a more serious condition like a brain abscess.

On the other hand, while high fever may be present in some cases due to underlying infection, it is not as specific to brain abscesses. Similarly, chronic cough and persistent diarrhea are not commonly associated with brain abscesses, as they are more likely to be related to respiratory or gastrointestinal conditions. Hence, the presence of severe headaches stands out as a key symptom specifically linked to brain abscesses in a pediatric population.