What are the symptoms of spinal cord abscess?

Symptoms of SPINAL CORD ABSCESS are: (1) Fever. (2) Weakness in arms or legs. (3) Numbness or abnormal sensation. (4) Back pain. (5) Low back pain

Spinal Cord Abscess Quiz

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Reviewed By:

Shohei Harase, MD (Neurology)

Dr. Harase spent his junior and senior high school years in Finland and the U.S. After graduating from the University of Washington (Bachelor of Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology), he worked for Apple Japan Inc. before entering the University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital, where he received the Best Resident Award in 2016 and 2017. In 2021, he joined the Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, specializing in hyperacute stroke.

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Fever then no fever then fever again
Periodic fever (>100.4°F / 38°C)
Feeling weak after a panic attack
Remittent fever of 102.2°F / 39°C
Stomach was uncomfortable, then had a fever
Numbness
Collapsed when laughing or feeling strongly emotional

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Learn more about Spinal cord abscess

Content updated on Sep 20, 2022

What is spinal cord abscess?

A buildup of pus around the spinal cord can compress nerves and cause symptoms. This sometimes occurs when bacteria from nearby wounds invade, or when bacteria multiply in distant areas and travel through the bloodstream to the spinal cord's surface.

Symptoms of spinal cord abscess

Fever
Weakness in arms or legs
Numbness or abnormal sensation
Back pain
Low back pain

Questions your doctor may ask to check for spinal cord abscess

Your doctor may ask these questions to diagnose spinal cord abscess

Do you have a fever?
Do you feel any weakness in your arms or legs?
Do you feel any numbness or change in sensation?
Do you have back pain?
Do you have pain in the lumbar back?

Treatment for spinal cord abscess

Strong antibiotics are typically needed to treat the infection. A procedure or surgery may be necessary to relieve the compressed area and drain pus from the abscess (collection).

View the symptoms of Spinal cord abscess

Diseases related to Spinal cord abscess

References

Akimoto T, Hirose S, Mizoguchi T, Yokota Y, Hara M, Ishihara M, Morita A, Nakajima H. Ruptured long intramedullary spinal cord abscess successfully treated with antibiotic treatment. J Clin Neurosci. 2020 Dec;82(Pt B):249-251. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2020.10.054. Epub 2020 Nov 24. PMID: 33246901.
https://www.jocn-journal.com/article/S0967-5868(20)31613-1/fulltext
Iwasaki M, Yano S, Aoyama T, Hida K, Iwasaki Y. Acute onset intramedullary spinal cord abscess with spinal artery occlusion: a case report and review. Eur Spine J. 2011 Jul;20 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):S294-301. doi: 10.1007/s00586-011-1703-z. Epub 2011 Feb 10. PMID: 21308472; PMCID: PMC3111523.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00586-011-1703-z