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Mastoiditis & Related Conditions
by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023
Mastoiditis is the result of an infection that extends to the air cells of the mastoid bone – a part of the skull behind the ear. Mastoiditis is usually caused by untreated acute otitis media (middle ear infection). The condition is most common in children. Without treatment mastoiditis may have serious complications, all connected to the infection spreading to surrounding structures. Complications include meningitis, epidural abscess, hearing loss, vertigo, facial paralysis and more.
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The symptoms of mastoiditis may include: * redness, swelling, and tenderness behind * the affected ear * ear pain * fever * headache * drainage from the affected ear * hearing loss in the affected ear
diagnosis is usually made based on the symptoms and physical examination. Additional tests may include: * blood tests - to check for signs of an infection * imaging tests – CT or MRI scan
Initial treatment will usually include hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics. You (or your child) will probably need to take oral antibiotics at home for several days after leaving the hospital. If the infection doesn’t clear up after treatment with antibiotics, surgery may be necessary.
☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike
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