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Medical Encyclopedia |
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Definition Return to top
Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid bone of the skull. The mastoid is located just behind the outside ear.
Causes Return to top
Mastoiditis is usually caused by a middle ear infection (acute otitis media). The infection may spread from the ear to the mastoid bone of the skull. The mastoid bone fills with infected materials and its honeycomb-like structure may deteriorate.
Mastoiditis usually affects children. Before antibiotics, mastoiditis was one of the leading causes of death in children. Now it is a relatively uncommon and much less dangerous condition.
Symptoms Return to top
Exams and Tests Return to top
An examination of the head may reveal signs of mastoiditis. The following tests may show an abnormality of the mastoid bone:
A culture of drainage from the ear may show bacteria.
Treatment Return to top
Mastoiditis may be difficult to treat because medications may not reach deep enough into the mastoid bone. It may require repeated or long-term treatment. The infection is treated with antibiotics by injection, then antibiotics by mouth.
Surgery to remove part of the bone and drain the mastoid (mastoidectomy) may be needed if antibiotic therapy is not successful. Surgery to drain the middle ear through the eardrum (myringotomy) may be needed to treat the middle ear infection.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Mastoiditis is curable with treatment. However, it may be hard to treat and may come back.
Possible Complications Return to top
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of mastoiditis.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:
Prevention Return to top
Promptly and completely treating ear infections reduces the risk of mastoiditis.
References Return to top
Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St Louis, Mo; Mosby; 2005:3019-3020.
Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. London: Churchill Livingstone; 2005:771.
Update Date: 10/10/2008 Updated by: Alan Lipkin, MD, Otolaryngologist, Private Practice, Denver, Colorado. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
