Mastoiditis is a bacterial infection of the bone immediately behind the ear. It is hollow, like the sinuses of the face, and is connected to the middle ear cavity. Infection may spread from the ear into the mastoid bone. Since the structures involved with hearing are contained in the bone immediately in front of the mastoid, they may be damaged by mastoiditis. In addition, the facial nerve passes through this bone and can be damaged leading to weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles. If the infection destroys the bone, it may spread into the overlying brain.
Causes of Mastoiditis
Infections which occur in the middle ear, otitis media, can spread to the adjacent mastoid process. The mastoid bone is directly behind the ear. In addition, chronic diseases or diseases which impair the immune system of the body, such as cancer and AIDS, can lead to infections within the mastoid bone.
Signs and Symptoms of Mastoiditis
The most common symptom of mostoiditis is severe earache. It is not uncommon to develop red, painful swelling behind the ear. Headaches associated with fever occur. There may be drainage from the ear and varying degrees of hearing loss.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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