About this topic
Your mastoid bone sits right behind your ear opening. It has a hard outer layer and an inner layer of airfilled-cells. This bone connects to your middle ear, the part of your ear behind your ear drum. Infection of the mastoid bone is mastoiditis. ‚
The infection is caused by germs from a recent infection or when the inner ear is inflamed. When this happens, the air-filled cells become inflamed and may fill with fluid. This can cause ear and hearing problems. ‚
Doctors treat this illness with drugs and, sometimes, surgery. If the infection is very bad, doctors may want to remove the whole mastoid bone. ‚
What are the causes?
A germ infects the mastoid bone. This often happens after a middle ear infection. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Fever
- Ear drainage
- Area behind the ear is red and tender
- Ear lobe is swollen
- Headache
- Ear pain
- Hearing loss
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam by looking into your ear with a special tool. This has a light and a magnifying glass on it so the doctor can see the inside of your ear. Your doctor may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- X-ray
- Hearing test
- CT scan
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your doctor may give you drugs to treat your condition. You may also need eardrops and to have your ears cleaned often. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
Will surgery be needed?
If the infection is very bad, the doctor may want to remove the mastoid bone. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Damage to the mastoid bone
- Hearing loss
- Facial paralysis
- Pus inside the brain
Where can I learn more?
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mastoiditis/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-07-14 ‚
List_set bdysylist
- Neuromuscular and Skeletal
- Otic
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚