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Epidural abscess   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Abscess - epidural

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to cure the infection and reduce the risk of permanent neurologic damage. This is usually accomplished by a combination of antibiotics and surgery. In rare cases, antibiotics alone are used.

Antibiotics are usually given intravenously for at least 4-6 weeks, yet may be given longer depending on the type of bacteria and the extent of the disease.

Surgery is usually necessary to achieve drainage or removal of the abscess (as antibiotics alone have poor penetration into abscesses). In addition, surgery is often needed to reduce pressure on the spinal cord or brain in order to prevent further loss of neurological function.

Prognosis

Untreated, the prognosis includes severe, permanent neurologic damage and death. 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 if diagnosis and treatment are delayed

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

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 neurologic symptoms occur (such as weakness, paralysis, or sensation changes) the chances of recovering lost function are diminished.

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