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Category:

Neurological and Infectious Diseases

Number of Conditions: 1

Epidural Abscess

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Neurological and Infectious Diseases

Symptoms:
severe back pain; fever; neurological deficits (weakness, paralysis); bladder or bowel dysfunction

Root Cause:
Pus accumulation between the dura mater and the skull or spinal column, often caused by bacterial infections (Staphylococcus aureus is common).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI with contrast, blood cultures, and sometimes biopsy of the abscess.

Treatment:
Immediate antibiotics and surgical drainage.

Medications:
Empirical antibiotics include vancomycin (for MRSA) plus ceftriaxone or cefepime (for gram-negative coverage).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; approximately 2–3 cases per 10,000 hospital admissions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Recent spinal procedures, trauma, diabetes, IV drug use, and immunosuppression.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with prompt treatment, though delayed diagnosis can lead to permanent neurological damage.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Paralysis, chronic pain, or death in severe cases.