Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
|
Alternative names Return to top
Abscess - spinal cordDefinition Return to top
Spinal cord abscess is a disorder characterized by inflammation and a collection of infected material (pus) around the spinal cord.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
A spinal cord abscess is caused when infection occurs within the internal areas of the spine. An abscess of the spinal cord itself is very, very rare. A spinal abscess usually occurs as an epidural abscess.
Pus forms as a collection of fluid, destroyed tissue cells, white blood cells, and live and dead microorganisms. The pus commonly becomes encapsulated (enclosed) by a lining or membrane that forms around the edges. The pus collection (abscess) causes pressure on the spinal cord. The infection may cause inflammation and swelling, which also compresses the spinal cord.
The infection is usually bacterial, often a result of staphylococcus infection that spreads through the bones and membranes of the spine. In some rare cases, the infection may be fungal or viral. Tuberculosis is a cause of spinal cord abscess that is less common than in the past but still occurs in some areas of the world.
The risks include boils (furuncles) on the skin, particularly on the back or scalp. Abscess may also result from the spread of any infection through the bloodstream from another body location (bacteremia). Back injuries or trauma, including minor injuries, increase the risk of spinal cord abscess. Occasionally, spinal cord abscess may be a complication of lumbar puncture (spinal tap) or surgery on the back.
The initial infection often begins in the bone (osteomyelitis). The bone infection may trigger formation of an epidural abscess which enlarges and rapidly compresses the spinal cord, causing symptoms similar to those caused by exterior sources of spinal cord trauma.
The disorder is rare, but may be life-threatening.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
An examination often shows localized tenderness over the spine. A neurologic examination may indicate spinal cord compression, with involvement of the lower body (paraplegia) or the entire trunk, arms, and legs (quadriplegia). The extent of neurologic losses corresponds with the location of the lesion on the spine and with the amount of spinal cord compression.Treatment Return to top
The goals of treatment are to relieve spinal cord compression and cure the infection.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
An untreated spinal cord abscess progresses to spinal cord compression that causes permanent, severe paralysis and other neurologic losses. It may be life-threatening.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms of spinal cord abscess occur. This is usually an emergency condition!Prevention Return to top
Thorough treatment of such as boils, tuberculosis, and others, decreases the risk.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |