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Conditions
Central nervous system diseases
Brain and spinal infections
Epidural abscess

Epidural abscess

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A potentially life-threatening infection between the bones of the skull or spine and the membranes that cover them.

Dr. Geoffreysss Rutledgeee reviewed this

42 years experience

Is a type of:

Abscess • Brain and spinal infections • Bacterial central nervous system diseases

How long it usually lasts:

Medium-term (lasts weeks to months)

How common it is:

Rare
Baby
0-2
Very common
Toddler
3-5
Very common
Preteen
6-13
Very common
Teenager
14-18
Very common
Young adult
19-40
Very common
Middle-aged adult
41-60
Very common
Senior
60+
Very common

Body locations

Back

Symptoms

Back pain
Fever
Leg weakness
Sensory loss
Leaking urine
Load more

Medications

Ratings show how effective doctors think these medications are at treating Epidural abscess
Cefazolin
Vancomycin
Tuberculosis medicine
Nafcillin

Procedures

Ratings show how effective doctors think these procedures are at treating Epidural abscess

Surgery

Decompression

Other treatments

Supportive care

Tests

Blood culture
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
C reactive protein
Complete blood count

Risk factors

Personal

Injection drug use
Immunosuppression

Related questions

A 30-year old asked:

What is an epidural abscess?

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How can you prevent an epidural abscess?

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Can you tell me the diagnostic tests and treatment methods for epidural abscess?

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Perianal absess last sept- drained I've had little flare ups -now 10 mnt later severe pain like 1 time!!!! I'm afraid to go under or can they epidural?

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How often can you take an epidural on the L2,3?

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Is it a good idea to get a regular dose epidural?

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