Epidural abscess causes
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Epidural abscess Microchapters |
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Epidural abscess causes On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Epidural abscess causes |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Epidural abscess causes |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]
Overview
An epidural abscess is a rare suppurative infection of the central nervous system, a collection of pus localised in the epidural space, lying outside the dura mater. It may occur in two different places: intracranially or in the spinal canal. According to the region of infection, some responsible organisms will be shared by both types of abscess however, others will differ, mainly because of the risk factors involved in that particular area and the mechanisms of infection. In the case of intracranial epidural abscess, the most common risk factors are sinusitis and neurosurgical procedures, while in the case of spinal epidural abscess, the most common risk factors are infections of the surrounding tissues and spinal procedures.
Causes
Life Threatening Causes
Life-threatening conditions may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated. Epidural abscess is a life-threatening condition and must be treated as such irrespective of the cause.