
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions β written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Epidural abscess history and symptoms
Introduction
Overview
Overview
A detailed and thorough history from the patient is necessary. Specific areas of focus when obtaining a history from the patient include immunodeficiency, intravenous drug use, spinal procedure, and trauma. Common symptoms of intracranial epidural abscess include headache, fever, and vomiting. Common symptoms of spinal epidural abscess include back pain, weakness, and persistent pins and needles.
History
History
A detailed and thorough history from the patient is necessary. Specific areas of focus when obtaining a history from the patient include:[1]
Symptoms
Symptoms
Intracranial Epidural Abscess
Common symptoms of intracranial epidural abscess include:[2]
- Headache
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Partial paralysis of extremities
- Frontal swelling
Spinal Epidural Abscess
Generally, patients with spinal epidural abscess present with unspecific symptoms. Common symptoms of spinal epidural abscess include:[3][4][5]
References
References
- β Chao D, Nanda A (2002). “Spinal epidural abscess: a diagnostic challenge”. Am Fam Physician. 65 (7): 1341β6. PMIDΒ 11996416.
- β Fountas KN, Duwayri Y, Kapsalaki E, Dimopoulos VG, Johnston KW, Peppard SB; et al. (2004). “Epidural intracranial abscess as a complication of frontal sinusitis: case report and review of the literature”. South Med J. 97 (3): 279β82, quiz 283. PMIDΒ 15043336.
- β Danner RL, Hartman BJ (1987). “Update on spinal epidural abscess: 35 cases and review of the literature”. Rev Infect Dis. 9 (2): 265β74. PMIDΒ 3589332.
- β Mooney RP, Hockberger RS (1987). “Spinal epidural abscess: a rapidly progressive disease”. Ann Emerg Med. 16 (10): 1168β70. PMIDΒ 3662166.
- β Liem LK, Rigamonti D, Wolf AL, Robinson WL, Edwards CC, DiPatri A (1994). “Thoracic epidural abscess”. J Spinal Disord. 7 (5): 449β54. PMIDΒ 7819646.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: JoΓ£o AndrΓ© Alves Silva, M.D. [2]; Anthony Gallo, B.S. [3]
