Epidural Abscess
Disease information
Epidural Abscess
Epidural abscess
.
Accumulation of pus caused by
a
bacterial
infection
of the outer casings of the brain and
spinal
cord.
Age.
It affects all ages.
Causes.
Often, people do not get to find out the
primary
cause of
bacterial
infection
that causes
epidural
abscess
. Usually the pathogens reach the brain by one of three ways:
For contiguity;
infection
that extends from the surrounding structures, such as
osteomyelitis
or paravertebral
abscess
.
By direct inoculation;
infection
caused by
a
wound to the head or spine.
By
hematic
;
infection
that spreads through the blood supply from other infected organs such as lungs, skin or heart valves.
Signs and symptoms.
The following symptoms usually appear along several hours. They are similar to those of
a
brain tumor or
stroke
:
Headache
.
Nausea and vomiting.
Weakness, numbness or paralysis on one side of the body.
Back pain and radicular (type sciatica) when the
infection
is located in the
spinal
cord.
Step irregular.
Convulsions.
Fever.
Confusion or delirium.
Difficulty speaking.
Risk Factors.
Head injury
.
Diseases
that lower the resistance, such as
diabetes
mellitus
.
Recent
infection
, especially around the nose, eyes and face.
Diseases
of the heart valves, artificial limbs or in them.
Prevention.
See your
doctor
if you have any
infection
- especially around the nose or face - to prevent it from spreading.
If you are
a
carrier of artificial heart valves, or is damaged, must follow
a
protocol to protect antibiotic trivial
problems
, such as
dental
manipulations.
Check with your
doctor
.
Diagnosis and Treatment.
DIAGNOSIS:
History and physical examination by
a
doctor
.
Analysis of blood and
spinal
fluid.
Electroencephalography.
Brain imaging, X - rays through the head, TAC or R. M. N.
TREATMENT:
Treatment focuses on the administration of antibiotics, which
was
originally performed by injection (in serum) in the hospital.
Sometimes it is necessary to remove the pus by surgical intervention.
General measures.
There is no special.
Medication.
The
doctor
may prescribe:
4 to 6 weeks of antibiotics to fight
infection
(VERY IMPORTANT to realize the full treatment)
Anticonvulsants, if needed.
Analgesics for pain, if necessary.
Activity
.
While you are admitted, must stay in bed.
After
a
convalescence of 2 to 3 weeks may be as active as permitted by its forces.
Diet.
Normal
, balanced.
Vitamins and mineral supplements are not necessary unless
deficiency
symptoms appear or can not eat normally.
Advise your
doctor
if the fever Climb to over 38 degrees.
New unexplained symptoms. The drugs used in treatment can cause side effects.
Complications.
Without treatment, convulsions, coma and death.
Sequels can be definitive if treatment is delayed, or there is an underlying serious illness.
Forecast.
The combination of antibiotics and surgery to drain pus is very effective, curándose most cases.
In immunosuppressed patients may be more severe and more frequent sequels.
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