Question 1

what is a spinal abscess?

Accepted Answer

Infection: Infection around the spine.

Question 2

what are the most common symptoms of spinal abscess?

Accepted Answer

Pain: Having a spinal abscess is associated with severe back pain, neurologic deterioration, fevers, chills, sweats, and elevated temperature. Of course, if surgery was performed there may be wound issues, such as drainage or dehissence.There are also lab work abnormalities that are associated with a spinal abscess.  If suspected, i would recommend calling your doctor and consider visiting the er.

Question 3

what is the definition or description of: spinal abscess?

Accepted Answer

Spinal abscess: Spinal abscess =  spinal cord abscess (SCA) = accumulation of pus/ swelling on the spinal cord associated with infection.

Question 4

how can someone get a spinal abscess and what can be done about it?

Accepted Answer

Through the blood: Spinal abscess may occur after surgery but most commonly are caused by bacteria that gets into the blood from another source. It requires aggressive treatment with powerful antibiotics and often will require urgent surgery to prevent damage to the spinal cord or nerve roots.

Question 5

what is the treatment for spinal abscess?

Accepted Answer

Every abcess have to: Be drained and treat with antibiotic.

Question 6

could you explain what is a spinal subdural abscess?

Accepted Answer

Infection: The spinal cord is covered by a tough layer, the dura, which also extends to the brain. A subdural abscess is an infection which causes an abscess (or infection collection of fluid) beneath this layer. It can compress the cord or allow infection to enter the brain.

Question 7

what are the causes of spinal cord abscess?

Accepted Answer

Multiple reasons: There are multiple causes of spinal cord abscess.  The risk factors for spinal infection include:

1.  Infection in another location that spreads to the spine (for example - a bladder or kidney infection that then spreads to the spine via the veins)
2.  Recent spinal surgery
3.  Patient with a compromised immune system (diabetics, smokers, patients with cancer, hiv/aids, patients needing dialysis).

Question 8

what are common complications of spinal cord abscess?

Accepted Answer

Grim: Paralysis, transient or permanent, full or partial, sepsis, osteomyelitis to name a few.

Question 9

could an abscess of the tonsills lead to spinal meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Very unlikely: In individuals with normal immune function.

Question 10

could abscessed tooth cause spinal damage?

Accepted Answer

Possibley: Under rare circumstances, an abscess in one part of the body can spread to another part. The spinal damage would have to be related to infection in the spine from the same bacteria that caused the dental abscess.

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What is a spinal abscess?

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What is the definition or description of: spinal abscess?

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How can someone get a spinal abscess and what can be done about it?

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What is the treatment for spinal abscess?

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Could you explain what is a spinal subdural abscess?

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Could an abscess of the tonsills lead to spinal meningitis?

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Could abscessed tooth cause spinal damage?

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