Description Infection of the outermost lining of the brain and spinal cord. The du...
Description
Infection of the outermost lining of the brain and spinal cord. The dura is the outermost lining of the brain and spinal cord. Infections may develop on the outside of this layer of tissue. The infection can get to the area either directly such as after trauma or through the blood stream. These infections are serious and can result in paralysis and/or brain damage.
Symptoms
Epidural abscess of the spine causes: back pain, fever, weakness, numbness, loss of bowel or bladder control. Epidural abscess of the brain causes: headache, vomiting, fever, confusion, weakness.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A CT scan and/or MRI will be performed to identify the abscess. Culture of the abscess fluid is performed to identify the organism.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Other Specific Tests: Culture of the abscess fluid
Specialists:
Neurosurgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A CT scan and/or MRI will be performed to identify the abscess. Culture of the abscess fluid is performed to identify the organism.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Other Specific Tests: Culture of the abscess fluid
Specialists:
Neurosurgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery
Treatment
Surgical drainage of the abscess and antibiotics are necessary. Rarely antibiotics alone are administered (without surgery). The treatment usually requires 4-6 weeks of antibiotic therapy to resolve the infection.