brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Epidural Abscess in the Spine
Diagnosis of Spinal Epidural Abscess
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Doctors may suspect a spinal epidural abscess if people have significant, unexplained back pain, particularly when the spine is tender to the touch or when they have a fever or have had a recent infection or dental procedure. Spinal epidural abscess is diagnosed using MRI. If MRI is not available, Myelography followed by computed tomography (CT) may be used. Samples of blood and, when possible, samples from the infected areas are taken and sent to a laboratory to be grown (cultured) so that the bacteria causing the abscess can be identified. Examination of the blood sample often detects evidence suggesting infection, such as an elevated white blood cell count. 