Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment of Spinal Epidural Abscess

Spinal Epidural Abscess can lead to potentially devastating injuries. As the case studies in this article indicate, prompt diagnosis and management can be challenging for a variety of reasons. Nonetheless, favorable outcomes for patients with SEA depend on timeliness. One of the objectives of presenting case studies in this article has been to prompt consideration of SEA when the classic triad of symptoms may be present, or when back pain and fever and/or risk factors are present. Reassessing patients, re-examining them for new clues, and sometimes starting over with an open mind and a broader differential diagnosis can prompt earlier diagnosis, providing an earlier opportunity for treatment. While prompt diagnosis and treatment may be challenging, utilization of the patient safety strategies in this article is straightforward and can reduce malpractice risk exposure. Read more by clicking “Read Full Article” below.