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Absceso epidural - Treatment

Nombres alternativos

Absceso de la médula espinal

Tratamiento:

El objetivo del tratamiento es curar la infección y reducir el riesgo de daño permanente. El tratamiento generalmente abarca antibióticos y cirugía, aunque, en raras ocasiones, se utilizan sólo antibióticos.

Los antibióticos generalmente se administran por vía intravenosa durante 4 a 6 semanas. Sin embargo, es posible que algunas personas necesiten tomarlos por un período más prolongado, dependiendo del tipo de bacteria y de la gravedad de la enfermedad.

Usualmente, se necesita la cirugía para drenar o eliminar el absceso. Además, la cirugía con frecuencia es necesaria para reducir la presión sobre la médula espinal o el cerebro, con el fin de prevenir la pérdida posterior de la función neurológica.

Expectativas (pronóstico):

El diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos mejoran enormemente la posibilidad de un buen pronóstico. Una vez que se presenta debilidad, parálisis o cambios en la sensibilidad, disminuyen las posibilidades de recuperar la función perdida. Se puede presentar daño neurológico permanente o la muerte.

Complicaciones:

Situaciones que requieren asistencia médica:

Consulte con el médico si tiene:

  • Dolor de espalda persistente con fiebre
  • Dolor de cabeza con fiebre
  • Otros síntomas de absceso epidural

Un absceso epidural constituye una emergencia médica.

  • Reviewed last on: 9/15/2010
  • David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Referencias

Nath A. Brain abscess and parameningeal infections. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 438.

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