ear, nose, and throat disorders
Otitis Media (Acute)
Symptoms and Signs of Acute Otitis Media
The usual initial symptom is an Earache , often with hearing loss. Infants may simply be cranky or have difficulty sleeping. Fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea often occur in young children. Otoscopic examination can show a bulging, erythematous tympanic membrane with indistinct landmarks and displacement of the light reflex. Air insufflation (pneumatic otoscopy) shows poor mobility of the tympanic membrane. Spontaneous perforation of the tympanic membrane causes serosanguineous or Severe headache, confusion, or focal neurologic signs may occur with intracranial spread of infection. Facial paralysis or vertigo suggests local extension to the fallopian canal or labyrinth. 