Epidural abscess: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Epidural abscess | |||
| synonyms = Spinal epidural abscess, Cranial epidural abscess | |||
| field = [[Infectious disease]], [[Neurosurgery]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Back pain]], [[fever]], [[neurological deficits]] | |||
| complications = [[Paralysis]], [[sepsis]], [[meningitis]] | |||
| onset = Rapid or gradual | |||
| duration = Variable | |||
| causes = [[Bacterial infection]], [[fungal infection]] | |||
| risks = [[Diabetes mellitus]], [[intravenous drug use]], [[spinal surgery]], [[immunosuppression]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]], [[Computed tomography|CT scan]], [[blood culture]] | |||
| differential = [[Discitis]], [[vertebral osteomyelitis]], [[meningitis]] | |||
| treatment = [[Antibiotics]], [[surgical drainage]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depends on early diagnosis and treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
'''Epidural abscess''' is a collection of [[pus]] between the outer covering of the [[brain]] and [[spinal cord]] (dura mater) and the bones of the [[skull]] or spine. This condition is a medical emergency that can cause serious complications if not treated promptly. | '''Epidural abscess''' is a collection of [[pus]] between the outer covering of the [[brain]] and [[spinal cord]] (dura mater) and the bones of the [[skull]] or spine. This condition is a medical emergency that can cause serious complications if not treated promptly. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Epidural abscesses are usually caused by a [[bacterial infection]], although they can also be caused by a [[fungal infection]]. The most common bacteria involved are [[Staphylococcus aureus]] and [[Escherichia coli]]. The infection can spread to the epidural space from a nearby infection (such as a [[sinus infection]] or [[dental abscess]]) or through the bloodstream from a distant site. | Epidural abscesses are usually caused by a [[bacterial infection]], although they can also be caused by a [[fungal infection]]. The most common bacteria involved are [[Staphylococcus aureus]] and [[Escherichia coli]]. The infection can spread to the epidural space from a nearby infection (such as a [[sinus infection]] or [[dental abscess]]) or through the bloodstream from a distant site. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
Symptoms of an epidural abscess can vary depending on the location of the abscess. Common symptoms include severe [[headache]], [[fever]], neck stiffness, and neurological symptoms such as weakness or numbness in the limbs, difficulty walking, or changes in bowel or bladder function. | Symptoms of an epidural abscess can vary depending on the location of the abscess. Common symptoms include severe [[headache]], [[fever]], neck stiffness, and neurological symptoms such as weakness or numbness in the limbs, difficulty walking, or changes in bowel or bladder function. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of an epidural abscess typically involves imaging tests such as a [[magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]] or [[computed tomography|CT scan]]. A [[lumbar puncture]] (spinal tap) may also be performed to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for testing. | Diagnosis of an epidural abscess typically involves imaging tests such as a [[magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]] or [[computed tomography|CT scan]]. A [[lumbar puncture]] (spinal tap) may also be performed to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for testing. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for an epidural abscess usually involves [[antibiotics]] to fight the infection and [[surgery]] to drain the abscess. In some cases, [[corticosteroids]] may be used to reduce inflammation. | Treatment for an epidural abscess usually involves [[antibiotics]] to fight the infection and [[surgery]] to drain the abscess. In some cases, [[corticosteroids]] may be used to reduce inflammation. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for an epidural abscess depends on the size and location of the abscess, the patient's overall health, and how quickly treatment is started. With prompt treatment, most people recover fully. However, if left untreated, an epidural abscess can lead to serious complications such as [[meningitis]], [[brain abscess]], or [[spinal cord compression]]. | The prognosis for an epidural abscess depends on the size and location of the abscess, the patient's overall health, and how quickly treatment is started. With prompt treatment, most people recover fully. However, if left untreated, an epidural abscess can lead to serious complications such as [[meningitis]], [[brain abscess]], or [[spinal cord compression]]. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Subdural abscess]] | * [[Subdural abscess]] | ||
* [[Brain abscess]] | * [[Brain abscess]] | ||
* [[Spinal cord compression]] | * [[Spinal cord compression]] | ||
[[Category:Neurological disorders]] | [[Category:Neurological disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Infections]] | [[Category:Infections]] | ||
[[Category:Medical emergencies]] | [[Category:Medical emergencies]] | ||
{{Medicine-stub}} | {{Medicine-stub}} | ||
{{No image}} | {{No image}} | ||
Latest revision as of 00:06, 4 April 2025
| Epidural abscess | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Spinal epidural abscess, Cranial epidural abscess |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Back pain, fever, neurological deficits |
| Complications | Paralysis, sepsis, meningitis |
| Onset | Rapid or gradual |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Bacterial infection, fungal infection |
| Risks | Diabetes mellitus, intravenous drug use, spinal surgery, immunosuppression |
| Diagnosis | MRI, CT scan, blood culture |
| Differential diagnosis | Discitis, vertebral osteomyelitis, meningitis |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Antibiotics, surgical drainage |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on early diagnosis and treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Epidural abscess is a collection of pus between the outer covering of the brain and spinal cord (dura mater) and the bones of the skull or spine. This condition is a medical emergency that can cause serious complications if not treated promptly.
Causes[edit]
Epidural abscesses are usually caused by a bacterial infection, although they can also be caused by a fungal infection. The most common bacteria involved are Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The infection can spread to the epidural space from a nearby infection (such as a sinus infection or dental abscess) or through the bloodstream from a distant site.
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms of an epidural abscess can vary depending on the location of the abscess. Common symptoms include severe headache, fever, neck stiffness, and neurological symptoms such as weakness or numbness in the limbs, difficulty walking, or changes in bowel or bladder function.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of an epidural abscess typically involves imaging tests such as a MRI or CT scan. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may also be performed to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for testing.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for an epidural abscess usually involves antibiotics to fight the infection and surgery to drain the abscess. In some cases, corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for an epidural abscess depends on the size and location of the abscess, the patient's overall health, and how quickly treatment is started. With prompt treatment, most people recover fully. However, if left untreated, an epidural abscess can lead to serious complications such as meningitis, brain abscess, or spinal cord compression.
