first, heres the link where i found this.. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001405.htm
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Abscess - spinal cord
Definition Return to top Spinal cord abscess is swelling and irritation (inflammation) and the collection of infected material (pus) around the spinal cord.
Causes Return to top
A spinal cord abscess is caused by an infection inside the spine. An abscess of the spinal cord itself is very rare. A spinal abscess usually occurs as an epidural abscess.
Pus forms as a collection of:
Destroyed tissue cells
Fluid
Llive and dead bacteria and other microorganisms
White blood cells
The pus is commonly covered by a lining or membrane that forms around the edges. The pus collection causes pressure on the spinal cord. The infection may cause inflammation and swelling, which also presses on (compresses) the spinal cord.
The infection is usually due to bacteria. Often it is caused by a staphylococcus infection that spreads through the spine. It may be caused by tuberculosis in some areas of the world, but it is not as common today as it was in the past. In rare cases, the infection may be due to a fungus or virus.
The following increase your risk of a spinal cord abscess:
Back injuries or trauma, including minor ones
Boils on the skin, especially on the back or scalp
Complication of lumbar puncture or back surgery
Spread of any infection through the bloodstream from another part of the body (bacteremia)
The infection often begins in the bone (osteomyelitis). The bone infection may cause an epidural abscess to form. This abscess gets larger and presses on the spinal cord.
The disorder is rare, but may be life-threatening.
Symptoms Return to top
Chills
Fever
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Loss of movement of an area of the body
Loss of sensation of an area of the body
Low backache, often mild but slowly gets worse
Pain typically moves to the hip, leg, or feet
Pain may spread to the shoulder, arm, or hand
Male impotence
Nervous system (neurologic) symptoms that suddenly get worse
Numbness in a specific, limited area (localized)
Severe back pain
Weakness or paralysis
Exams and Tests Return to top
A physical exam often shows tenderness over the spine. An exam may show signs of:
Spinal cord compression
Paralysis of the lower body (paraplegia) or of the entire trunk, arms, and legs (quadriplegia)
The amount of nerve loss depends on where the lesion is located on the spine and how much it is compressing the spinal cord.
Tests that may be done:
CT scan
Draining of abscess and culture of abscess material
Examination of cerebrospinal fluid
MRI
Posted By Joel Russell on February 09, 2009 at 21:59:43:
