title: Spinal epidural abscess-from onset to rehabilitation: case study.
abstract: Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare condition; consequently, the clinical significance of early diagnosis often is overlooked. The challenge with SEA is not its treatment, but achieving early diagnosis before neurological symptoms occur. Once neurological deficits are present, immediate treatment must be implemented to prevent deterioration that can result in paralysis. The common SEA signs and symptoms are fever, back pain, and radicular symptoms that can progress to weakness and paralysis. Magnetic resonance imaging is the imaging of choice for diagnosis. Treatments include antibiotics and surgical evacuation of the abscess if neurologic deficits are present. Nurses play a major role in caring for SEA patients by identifying those at risk, preventing complications, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to prepare patients for rehabilitation.
authors.affiliation: University of Chicago Hospitals, Department of Neurosurgery, Chicago, IL 60615, USA. apoychubby@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alvarez
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001416:Back Pain / Q000209:etiology; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004322:Drainage; D020802:Epidural Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006987:Hypesthesia / Q000209:etiology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009192:Myelography; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011379:Prognosis; D035583:Rare Diseases; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016055:Urinary Retention / Q000209:etiology; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents