Hippocrates Health Search Results from the Invisible Web

malignant otitis externa: Health Search Results from the Invisible Web

Health Search Results powered by CloserLook Search
:: Definition :: Images :: Causes :: Symptoms :: Treatment :: Further Reading Search results last updated: 5/8/2009

malignant otitis externa - Definition: (Source: MedLinePlus)

Malignant otitis externa is a disorder involving inflammation and damage of the bones and cartilage at the base of the skull. ...
[ read more.. ]

malignant otitis externa - Images (Source: MedLinePlus)
malignant otitis externa, Ear anatomy
Ear anatomy

Causes of malignant otitis externa (Source: MedLinePlus)
Malignant otitis externa is caused by the spread of an outer ear infection (otitis externa, also called swimmer's ear). It is an uncommon complication of both acute swimmer's ear and chronic swimmer's ear . Risks for this condition include: Chemotherapy ; Diabetes ; Weakened immune system. External otitis is often caused by difficult-to-treat bacteria such as pseudomonas. The infection spreads from the floor of the ear canal to the nearby tissues and into the bones at the base of the skull. The infection and inflammation may damage or destroy the bones. The infection may spread more and affect the cranial nerves, brain, or other parts of the body. ...
[ read more.. ]

Symptoms of malignant otitis externa (Source: MedLinePlus)
Drainage from the ear - yellow, yellow-green, foul smelling, persistent; Ear pain - felt deep inside the ear and may get worse when moving head; Hearing loss ; Itching of the ear or ear canal; Fever. ...
[ read more.. ]

malignant otitis externa - Conventional Treatments (Source: MedLinePlus)
The goal of treatment is to cure the infection. Treatment often lasts for several months, because it is difficult to treat the bacteria and reach an infection in bone tissue. Antibiotics that are effective against the microorganism are given for long periods of time. They may be given through a vein (intravenously), or by mouth. Antibiotics should be continued until scans or other tests show that inflammation has gone down. Occasionally, surgery to remove dead or damaged tissue (surgical debridement) in the skull is needed. ...
[ read more.. ]

Further Reading on malignant otitis externa

DISCLAIMER: The content provided by this site and/or this page is for information purposes only. Closerlook Search Services Inc. does not warrant or guarantee accuracy or timeliness of any information returned on this page even if such information appears in any search results accessed through Closerlook Search Services Inc. website properties.