Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — 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.
Subdural empyema physical examination
Introduction
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.
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]