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what is mastoiditis?
what is its danger?
treatment?
what is its danger?
treatment?
Mastoiditis is an inflammation of the antrum and air cells within the mastoid process, usually
secondary to a middle ear infection (otitis media).
There is a danger of the infection spreading
through the petrosquamous fissure to cause osteomyelitis within the tegmen tympani, and/or
meningitis in the middle cranial fossa. Mastoiditis can usually be dealt with using antibiotics, but
occasionally pus within the mastoid air cells may require draining. Surgical access can be achieved,
especially in young children, through the antrum, although care must be taken not to damage the facial
nerve in its course through the mastoid wall of the tympanic cavity.
secondary to a middle ear infection (otitis media).
There is a danger of the infection spreading
through the petrosquamous fissure to cause osteomyelitis within the tegmen tympani, and/or
meningitis in the middle cranial fossa. Mastoiditis can usually be dealt with using antibiotics, but
occasionally pus within the mastoid air cells may require draining. Surgical access can be achieved,
especially in young children, through the antrum, although care must be taken not to damage the facial
nerve in its course through the mastoid wall of the tympanic cavity.
