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Diseases and Disorders of the Ear

Mastoiditis - Infections of the Mastoid Bone

Mastoiditis

Mastoiditis is an inflammation or infection of the mastoid bone, that sits behind the ear. The mastoid consists of air cells that drain the middle ear.

Causes of Mastoiditis

Mastoiditis is usually a result of a middle ear infection that is left untreated and spreads to the mastoid bones. Mastoiditis usually occurs in children, but can occur in adults.

Symptoms of mastoiditis

The following are the most common symptoms for mastoiditis:

Mastoiditis diagnosis

Other Rarer diagnoses

In very rare cases, a brain abscess or other cranial complication may be indicated.

Symptoms:

The symptoms for this diagnosis (in addition to any of the above) are:

Diagnosis

All diagnoses for cranial causes are verifiably diagnosed through imaging technology:

Treatment for mastoiditis

Mastoiditis is a potentially serious infection, and as a result, any mastoiditis treatment will probably be done in a hospital setting for about 3-5 days. Antibiotics are given 24 hours a day intravenously.

To assist the ear in getting rid of any excess fluid, surgery may be indicated (myringotomy), where a small opening is made in the eardrum for any fluids and bacterial wastes to drain.  Besides the incision, the surgeon will usually also leave a small draining tube to prevent fluid from accumulating.

Non-Treatment results

If the infection continues to spread, despite antibiotic therapy, the following complications may occur: