The early signs and symptoms of neurotologic complications of chronic suppurative otitis media

The delay in the diagnosis of neurotologic complications of chronic suppurative otitis media has been explained in a number of ways, including antibiotic suppression, surgical drainage, and a lowered index of clinical suspicion because the problem is relatively rare today. Twelve cases of neurotolog...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Laryngoscope Vol. 99; no. 4; p. 373
Main Authors Schwaber, M K, Pensak, M L, Bartels, L J
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.04.1989
Subjects
Brain Abscess - etiology
Chronic Disease
Confusion - etiology
Fever - etiology
Headache - etiology
Humans
Meningitis - etiology
Otitis Media - complications
Otitis Media, Suppurative - complications
Sinus Thrombosis, Intracranial - etiology
Suppuration
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Summary:The delay in the diagnosis of neurotologic complications of chronic suppurative otitis media has been explained in a number of ways, including antibiotic suppression, surgical drainage, and a lowered index of clinical suspicion because the problem is relatively rare today. Twelve cases of neurotologic complications of chronic suppurative otitis media were reviewed to determine the early and late findings that should raise the physician's index of suspicion. Purulent, malodorous drainage, headache, and fever were the significant early findings. Altered mental status was a late finding, and usually indicated established intracranial infection. By drawing attention to the early findings, we hope to lower the morbidity and mortality associated with these complications.
ISSN:0023-852X
DOI:10.1288/00005537-198904000-00002