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Epidural abscess

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Abscess - epidural; Spinal abscess

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to cure the infection and reduce the risk of permanent damage. Treatment usually includes antibiotics and surgery. In rare cases, antibiotics alone are used.

Antibiotics are usually given by an IV for at least 4-6 weeks. However, some people may need to take them for a longer time, depending on the type of bacteria and severity of the disease.

Surgery is usually needed to drain or remove the abscess. In addition, surgery is often needed to reduce pressure on the spinal cord or brain in order to prevent further loss of neurological function.

Expectations (prognosis):

Untreated, permanent neurological damage or death may occur. If diagnosed and treated early, the chances of recovery are better. Unfortunately, if treatment is delayed, there may be irreversible loss of neurological function.

Complications:

• Recurrence of infection (common even if the disorder is treated)
• Spread of infection
• Brain abscess
• Spinal cord abscess
• Meningitis
• Permanent neurological damage (such as brain damage, sensory changes or paralysis) if diagnosis and treatment are delayed

Calling your health care provider:

Anyone with persistent back pain with fever or headache with fever should be seen by a doctor. Call your health care provider if fever, persistent headache, back pain, or other symptoms of epidural abscess develop, particularly if there is a known risk for the disorder.

An epidural abscess is a medical emergency. Early diagnosis and treatment greatly improve the chance of a good outcome. Once weakness, paralysis , or sensation changes occur, the chances of recovering lost function are reduced.

• Review Date: 11/27/2006
• Reviewed By: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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