Subdural empyema physical examination
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]; Anthony Gallo, B.S. [3]
Overview
Overview
Physical examination of patients with subdural empyema is usually remarkable for fever, facial pain, and neck stiffness.[1][2][3]
Physical Examination
Physical Examination
Appearance of the Patient
Patients with acute subdural empyema appear in poor condition, often appearing lethargic and vomiting.
Vital signs
HEENT
- Facial pain / swelling
- Meningismus
- Sinusitis
- Mastoiditis
- Otitis
- Papilledema
- Fixed mydriasis on the ipsilateral side (from compression of 3rd cranial nerve)
Neck
Neuromuscular
- Coma
- Stupor
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Hemiparesis or hemisensory deficits
- Aphasia
- Seizures
- Gait disturbances
- Palsies of 3rd, 5th and 6th cranial nerves
References
References
- ↑ Hendaus, Mohammed A. (2013). “Subdural Empyema in Children”. Global Journal of Health Science. 5 (6). doi:10.5539/gjhs.v5n6p54. ISSN 1916-9744.
- ↑ Bruner DI, Littlejohn L, Pritchard A (2012). “Subdural empyema presenting with seizure, confusion, and focal weakness”. West J Emerg Med. 13 (6): 509–11. doi:10.5811/westjem.2012.5.11727. PMC 3555596. PMID 23358438.
- ↑ Mandell, Gerald L.; Bennett, John E. (John Eugene); Dolin, Raphael. (2010). Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s principles and practice of infectious disease. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier. ISBN 0-443-06839-9.
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