Learn About Spinal Cord Abscess
Spinal cord abscess is the swelling and irritation (inflammation) and the collection of infected material (pus) and germs in or around the spinal cord.
Abscess - spinal cord
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 a complication of an epidural abscess.
Pus forms as a collection of:
- White blood cells
- Fluid
- Live and dead bacteria or other microorganisms
- Destroyed tissue 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 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 this is not as common today as it was in the past. In rare cases, the infection may be due to a fungus.
The following increase your risk for a spinal cord abscess:
- Back injuries or trauma, including minor ones
- Boils on the skin, especially on the back or scalp (rare)
- Complication of lumbar puncture or back surgery
- Spread of any infection through the bloodstream from another part of the body (bacteremia)
- Injecting illicit drugs
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 infection can spread to the spinal cord itself.
A spinal cord abscess is rare. When it does occur, it can be life threatening.
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Fever and chills.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control.
- Loss of movement of an area of the body below the abscess.
- Loss of sensation of an area of the body below the abscess.
- Low backache, often mild, but slowly gets worse, with pain moving to the hip, leg, or foot. Or, pain may spread to the shoulder, arm, or hand.
The goals of treatment are to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and cure the infection.
Surgery may be done right away to relieve the pressure. It involves removing part of the spine bone and draining the abscess. Sometimes it is not possible to drain the abscess completely.
Antibiotics are used to treat the infection. They are usually given through a vein (IV).
Advocate Medical Group Neurosurgery
Ryan Trombly is a Neurosurgery provider in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Dr. Trombly is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Spinal Cord Abscess. His top areas of expertise are Cervical Myelopathy, Cerebellum Agenesis Hydrocephaly, Spinal Cord Abscess, Microdiscectomy, and Cervical Disc Surgery.
Proliance Surgeons
Ari Holtzman, MD, is fellowship trained in spine surgery at University of Washington/Harborview Spine.He started his training in Orthopedic surgery in New York City at Montefiore Medical Center, the largest hospital in Bronx, NY. He completed his training at the Spine Fellowship at Harborview and the University of Washington, which focused on treating degenerative spine conditions, spinal trauma, and complex spine deformity.Dr. Holtzman is passionate about not only treating, but educating his patients about their conditions so that they can make the best decisions together as a team. His goal in his practice is to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to work with his patients to help them achieve their individual goals in treatment and recovery.Dr. Holtzman is a member of the North American Spine Society, AO North America, and has presented his research at national meetings, as well as published and peer-reviewed in scientific journals. He is an Upstate New York native who fell in love with the PNW during his fellowship and is now proud to call the region home. When not working, he can be found with his wife and four children, skiing, sailing, biking, hiking, and enjoying any other outdoor activities. Dr. Holtzman is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Spinal Cord Abscess. His top areas of expertise are Spinal Cord Abscess, Spondylolisthesis, Spinal Stenosis, and Scoliosis.
Proliance Surgeons
John M. Blair, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with a specialty in the treatment of degenerative conditions of the cervical and lumbar spine. His professional interests focus on outpatient minimally invasive spinal surgery resulting in the least possible amount of down time, early return to work and active lifestyles for his patients. He treats a wide range of spinal conditions with expertise in deformative spinal conditions, such as scoliosis, and major reconstructive spine surgery. Dr. Blair believes that his role as a physician is to understand each patient’s individual needs and personalize treatment. A practicing surgeon since 1994, he has over 20 years of experience in all aspects of spinal surgery. He is also constantly learning new and innovative skills to better serve his patients. He gives community lectures on new innovations in spinal care and is an active member of the Puget Sound Spine Interest Group, a local group that meets quarterly with guest speakers. He is also a member of an annual medical mission group. He and his wife have six children. In addition to family time, he enjoys computers, photography, and outdoor activities. He is an Eagle Scout and currently helps out with his son’s local Boy Scouts troop. Dr. Blair is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Spinal Cord Abscess. His top areas of expertise are Spinal Stenosis, Spondylolisthesis, Fractured Spine, Laminectomy, and Microdiscectomy.
How well a person does after treatment varies. Some people recover completely.
An untreated spinal cord abscess can lead to spinal cord compression. It can cause permanent, severe paralysis and nerve loss. It may be life threatening.
If the abscess is not drained completely, it may return or cause scarring in the spinal cord.
The abscess can injure the spinal cord from direct pressure. Or, it can cut off the blood supply to the spinal cord.
Complications may include:
- Long-term (chronic) back pain
- Loss of bladder/bowel control
- Loss of sensation
- Male impotence
- Return of infection
- Weakness, paralysis
Go to the emergency room or call 911 or the local emergency number, if you have symptoms of spinal cord abscess.
Thorough treatment of boils, tuberculosis, and other infections decreases the risk. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications.
Summary: This is a prospective study involving all patients treated at the University of Kentucky for spinal epidural abscess over a 2-year period. Based on ongoing referrals of patients with SEA, we expect that 200 patients will be enrolled during this time window. We propose to study all available clinical, pathological, radiological, and socioeconomic data of patients diagnosed with a spinal infection w...
Published Date: November 10, 2024
Published By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Rajasekaran S, Viswanathan VK, Shetty AP. Primary infections of the spine. In: Steinmetz MP, Berven SH, Benzel EC, eds. Benzel's Spine Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 44.
Tunkel AR. Subdural empyema, epidural abscess, and suppurative intracranial thrombophlebitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 91.
Williams KD. Infections and tumors of the spine. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 42.