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Mastoiditis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Mastoiditis - side view of head
Mastoiditis - side view of head
Mastoiditis - redness and swelling behind ear
Mastoiditis - redness and swelling behind ear
Mastoidectomy  - series
Mastoidectomy - series

Definition    Return to top

Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid bone of the skull. The mastoid is located just behind the outside ear.

Causes    Return to top

Mastoiditis is usually caused by a middle ear infection (acute otitis media). The infection may spread from the ear to the mastoid bone of the skull. The mastoid bone fills with infected materials and its honeycomb-like structure may deteriorate.

Mastoiditis usually affects children. Before antibiotics, mastoiditis was one of the leading causes of death in children. Now it is a relatively uncommon and much less dangerous condition.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

An examination of the head may reveal signs of mastoiditis. The following tests may show an abnormality of the mastoid bone:

A culture of drainage from the ear may show bacteria.

Treatment    Return to top

Mastoiditis may be difficult to treat because medications may not reach deep enough into the mastoid bone. It may require repeated or long-term treatment. The infection is treated with antibiotics by injection, then antibiotics by mouth.

Surgery to remove part of the bone and drain the mastoid (mastoidectomy) may be needed if antibiotic therapy is not successful. Surgery to drain the middle ear through the eardrum (myringotomy) may be needed to treat the middle ear infection.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Mastoiditis is curable with treatment. However, it may be hard to treat and may come back.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of mastoiditis.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

Prevention    Return to top

Promptly and completely treating ear infections reduces the risk of mastoiditis.

References    Return to top

Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St Louis, Mo; Mosby; 2005:3019-3020.

Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. London: Churchill Livingstone; 2005:771.

Update Date: 10/10/2008

Updated by: Alan Lipkin, MD, Otolaryngologist, Private Practice, Denver, Colorado. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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