Health Encyclopedia

Epidural abscess

Definition

An epidural abscess is collection of pus (infected material) between the outer covering of the brain and spinal cord and the bones of the skull or spine. The abscess causes swelling in the area.

Alternative Names

Abscess - epidural; Spinal abscess

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

An epidural abscess is caused by infection in the area between the bones of the skull or spine, and the outer meninges (the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord). This infection is called an intracranial epidural abscess if it is inside the skull area, or a spinal epidural abscess if it is found in the spine area.

The infection is usually caused by bacteria (staphylococcus is common), but may be caused by fungus. The infection can be due to other infections in the body or germs that spread through the blood. However, in up to one-third of patients, there is no identified source of infection.

In the case of an intracranial epidural abscess (within the skull), risk factors include:

Chronic ear infections
Mastoiditis
Chronic sinusitis
Head injury
Recent neurosurgery

A spinal epidural abscess may be seen in patients with bone infections of the spine (vertebral osteomyelitis), boils, bloodstream infections, and after back surgery or other invasive procedures involving the spine. People who inject drugs are also at increased risk.

Epidural abscess is a rare disorder. Nine out of ten cases are located in the spine. The infection may spread into the bones of the spine or skull (osteomyelitis). It may also spread into the spinal fluid and cause meningitis, or lead to a brain or spinal cord abscess.

Symptoms

Spinal epidural abscess:

Fever and back pain
Bowel or bladder incontinence
Difficulty urinating (urinary retention)

Intracranial epidural abscess:

Headache
Fever
Lethargy
Nausea and vomiting
Pain at the site of recent surgery that gets worse (especially if fever is present)

Neurological symptoms depend on the location of the abscess and may include:

Weakness
Paralysis
Decreased ability to move any part of the body
Loss of sensation in any area of the body or abnormal changes in sensation

Signs and tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and a neurological exam to look for a loss of functions such as movement or sensation.

Tests such as CT (cat scan) or MRI are frequently needed to confirm the presence of an epidural abscess.

To determine what is causing the infection, a sample of the abscess is usually necessary.

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.

Prevention

Treatment of certain infections, such as ear infections, sinusitis, and bloodstream infections, may decrease the risk of an epidural abscess. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications.

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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