What the heck is epidural abscess really?

Giant Zit: It's an abscess on your spine. Imagine a huge zit under the skin, on your spine, that is painful and can't go anywhere as more and more pus builds up, causing even more pressure that no pain medication can relieve- until it's drained by a professional. Don't try to pop this "giant zit" yourself.

Infection: An epidural abscess is an infection above the covering of the brain or spinal cord, the dura. These infections can arise in the brain area due to sinus infections, skull fractures or after gunshot wounds. They can also arise in the brain or spinal cord area after infections spread to the bloodstream. They can exert pressure on the brain or spinal cord causing pain and paralysis requiring surgery.