Spinal abscesses are infections of the spine that can cause severe pain, swelling and loss of function in your back or legs. They’re caused by bacteria and can be dangerous if not treated right away.
Symptoms of spinal abscesses include fever, low back pain and a decline in your ability to move. They may also cause loss of bladder and bowel control.
A spinal abscess is most often caused by a bacteria called staphylococcus or streptococcus. In rare cases, it can be caused by fungi. It isn’t as common today as it was in the past because we have better medicines and treatment for infection.
Diagnosis of spinal abscesses is usually made using a variety of medical tests, including blood tests. These tests can measure the levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP).
If your doctor thinks you have a spinal abscess, they will probably order an MRI. This test is used to find the location of the abscess and how large it is.
It can also tell your doctor if it’s in the brain or in another part of the body. This can help them decide if you need surgery to remove it or drain it.
Your doctor may also do a CT scan of your neck or chest to see if you have any signs of a tumor that could cause problems. If your doctor thinks you have a tumor, they will probably refer you to a specialist for more tests.
MRI is usually the best diagnostic tool for spinal abscesses. It can find the location of the abscess, how big it is and whether or not it’s in your brain or another part of your body.
The MRI can also help your doctor figure out whether or not you have a tumor in your spine. If your doctor does decide that you have a tumor, they will likely refer you to a surgeon for surgery to remove it or drain it.
A CT scan of your spine can also tell your doctor if you have an abscess in your spine. They will use this scan to help them find the location of the abscess, so they can remove it or drain it.
Spinal abscesses are very rare, but they can be deadly if not treated. If your doctor finds an abscess, they will drain it and give you antibiotics to kill any bacteria in the area.
You will need to take these drugs regularly for a while to make sure that you’re getting the full benefit from them. You should also talk to your doctor about the risks and side effects of these drugs.
Surgical drainage is needed for some types of spinal abscesses, but not all. Your doctor will need to drain the pus and then wash it out with sterile saline water.
In some cases, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics and a special type of medicine to kill the bacteria in your body. This will prevent future infections and help you heal quickly from the initial one.
