What causes thoracic epidural abscess?

What causes an epidural abscess? Typically, an epidural abscess is caused by a Staphylococcus aureus bacterial infection. It could also result from a fungus or another germ circulating in your body. Much of the time, healthcare providers can’t find a particular cause of the infection.

How does someone get an abscess in their spine?

The infection is usually due to bacteria. Often it is caused by a staphylococcus infection that spreads through the spine. It may be caused by tuberculosis in some areas of the world, but this is not as common today as it was in the past. In rare cases, the infection may be due to a fungus.

Can epidural cause spinal infection?

What are possible complications of an epidural abscess? Without treatment, serious complications can occur, such as: Meningitis, an infection of your meninges. Abscess of your spinal cord itself.

How long after epidural can you get an infection?

Infection may be caused by bacteria or fungal organisms and can occur after surgery. Most postoperative infections occur between three days and three months after surgery.

How painful is a spinal abscess?

But as the infection or abscess grows, it can put pressure on your spinal cord. The infection and pressure can cause potentially serious symptoms, such as: sudden onset of pain. sharp pain that can radiate to your arms or legs.

How is a spinal epidural abscess treated?

The treatment of choice in most patients is surgical decompression followed by four to six weeks of antibiotic therapy. Nonsurgical treatment may be appropriate in selected patients. The most common causative organism in spinal epidural abscess is Staphylococcus aureus.

How long does it take to recover from a spinal infection?

Spinal infections are often treated without surgery. IV antibiotics are given in the hospital and/or in an outpatient facility and may continue at home for 4 to 6 weeks. Oral antibiotics may need to be taken for several months. Analgesics and spinal bracing may be used to help control pain.

What causes an epidural abscess in the spine?

Spinal Epidural Abscess. Spinal epidural abscesses usually occur in the thoracic or lumbar regions. An underlying infection is often present; it may be remote (eg, endocarditis, furuncle, dental abscess) or contiguous (eg, vertebral osteomyelitis, pressure ulcer, retroperitoneal abscess). In about one third of cases, the cause cannot be determined.

What is the most common cause of thoracic spine abscess?

In about one third of cases, the cause cannot be determined. The most common causative organism is Staphylococcus aureus, followed by Escherichia coli and mixed anaerobes. Occasionally, the cause is a tuberculous abscess of the thoracic spine (Pott disease).

What happens when you have an abscess on your spinal cord?

But as the infection or abscess grows, it can put pressure on your spinal cord. The infection and pressure can cause potentially serious symptoms, such as: sudden onset of pain. sharp pain that can radiate to your arms or legs.

Why is a lumbar puncture contraindicated for spinal abscess?

Lumbar puncture is contraindicated because it may trigger cord herniation if the abscess completely obstructs flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Plain x-rays are not routinely indicated but show osteomyelitis in about one third of patients.