Mastoiditis physical examination
Mastoiditis Microchapters |
Diagnosis |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
Physical Examination
Appearance of the Patient
Patients with mastoiditis usually appear ill and have marked inflammation and edema of the periuricular area.
Vital Signs
Patients with mastoiditis may have the following vital signs, which are suggestive of infection:
Skin
Patients with orbital cellulitis may present with the following skin findings:
HEENT
Patients with mastoiditis may have the following HEENT findings on physical examination:
Head
Patients with mastoiditis may present with the following signs:
- Evidence of recent orbital or head trauma, or surgery (e.g., scars, injuries, etc.)
- Evidence of recent insect bites
Ear
Patients with mastoiditis may present with below signs:
- otorrhea
- Postauricular swelling
- Postauricular erythema
- Postauricular tenderness
- Protrusion of pinna
- Sagging external ear canal
- Blurred tympanic membrane
Also mastoiditis patients may present with signs which are suggestive of inner or middle ear infection:
- Erythema, edema and discharge present on otoscopy
- Reduced hearing
- Children may show signs of "tugging" on the affected ear
Throat/Oral
Patients with mastoiditis may present with signs which are suggestive of oral, pharyngeal, or upper respiratory tract infections:
- Erythematous oropharynx
- Exudative tonsils
- Dental caries
- Tooth abscess
Neck
Patients with mastoiditis may present with tender cervical lymph nodes, which are suggestive of regional infection.