Spinal cord abscess

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Central nervous system

Vertebrae

Abscess - spinal cord

The goals of treatment are to relieve spinal cord compression and cure the infection.

Urgent surgical decompression (by laminectomy, cutting through the bones of the spine) is sometimes recommended, depending on the condition of the patient. This procedure involves draining of the abscess. It occasionally is not possible to completely drain the abscess.

Antimicrobial medications are prescribed. Broad-spectrum antimicrobials or a combination of antibiotics are the most commonly used antimicrobials. Antimicrobial medications may be adjusted after a culture of pus determines the specific microorganism causing the infection.

Corticosteroids may occasionally be prescribed to reduce swelling and compression of the spinal cord.

An untreated spinal cord abscess progresses to spinal cord compression that causes permanent, severe paralysis and other neurologic losses. It may be life-threatening.

The outcome for a treated spinal cord abscess may vary. There may be a complete recovery. A recurrence of an abscess is possible. Incomplete drainage may result in a recurrence of an abscess or development of a chronic fibrotic (scarred) mass (aggregation of cells) in the spinal cord.

• recurrence of spinal cord abscess
• formation of fibrous spinal cord mass
• spinal cord compression, life threatening
• permanent neurologic losses (variable)
  • weakness, paralysis
  • loss of sensation
  • loss of bladder/bowel control
  • male impotence
  • other losses

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms of spinal cord abscess occur. This is usually an emergency condition!

Review Date: 10/27/2005
Reviewed By: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.