Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia01:29

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia

Epidural anesthetics are administered in the fat-filled epidural space, the outermost part of the spinal canal. This technique is commonly employed for pain management and anesthesia during lower abdomen and pelvis surgeries or labor and delivery.
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia01:11

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia

Spinal anesthetics are given during lower abdomen and limb surgeries to block sensory and motor neurons. They are administered in the mid to low lumbar regions, primarily acting on the cauda equina's nerve roots. The blockade level depends on the local anesthetic (LA) concentration. Usually, low LA concentrations are sufficient to block sensory fibers, while only high LA concentrations block motor fibers. Other factors like injection volume and speed, the patient's posture, and the drug...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction01:29

Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction

Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Art Training in Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Frontiers in psychology·2021
Same author

Hawaii's statewide evidence-based practice program.

The Nursing clinics of North America·2014
Same author

Pulmonary management of the acute cervical spinal cord injured patients.

The Nursing clinics of North America·2014
Same author

Normothermia for NeuroProtection: it's hot to be cool.

The Nursing clinics of North America·2014
Same author

Favorable outcomes for Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders with severe traumatic brain injury.

Hawai'i journal of medicine & public health : a journal of Asia Pacific Medicine & Public Health·2013
Same author

Nursing peer review: integrating a model in a shared governance environment.

The Journal of nursing administration·2009
Same journal

A New Era of Nursing Innovation.

Critical care nursing clinics of North America·2026
Same journal

Advancing Outcomes Through Innovation.

Critical care nursing clinics of North America·2026
Same journal

The Arc of Nurse Anesthesia: From Battlefield Origins to Future Innovation.

Critical care nursing clinics of North America·2026
Same journal

A Sepsis-Informed Model of Accelerated Aging.

Critical care nursing clinics of North America·2026
Same journal

TeleCritical Care Reimagined: Efficiency Through Digital Communication Application.

Critical care nursing clinics of North America·2026
Same journal

Impacts and Outcomes of Intensive Care Unit Design.

Critical care nursing clinics of North America·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients
03:47

A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients

Published on: October 25, 2024

Spinal epidural abscess.

Katherine G Johnson1

  • 1Patient Care Consulting Services, The Queens Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA. kjohnson@queens.org

Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America
|August 29, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Spinal epidural abscess is a serious bacterial infection requiring prompt medical attention to prevent paralysis. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment, potentially with surgical drainage, are crucial for a good neurologic outcome.

Keywords:
Back painSpinal abscessSpinal cord compressionSpinal epidural abscessSpinal infection

More Related Videos

Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
05:53

Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery

Published on: August 17, 2022

Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
06:23

Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis

Published on: May 23, 2021

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 8, 2026

A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients
03:47

A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients

Published on: October 25, 2024

Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
05:53

Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery

Published on: August 17, 2022

Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
06:23

Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis

Published on: May 23, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare but severe bacterial infection within the spinal canal.
  • It can lead to rapid spinal cord compression and irreversible paralysis if not treated promptly.
  • Staphylococcus species are the most common causative agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of spinal epidural abscess.
  • To emphasize the critical role of timely intervention in achieving favorable neurologic outcomes.
  • To outline the key management strategies and nursing considerations for patients with SEA.

Main Methods:

  • This abstract summarizes current understanding and clinical recommendations for spinal epidural abscess management.
  • It reviews the typical presentation, causative pathogens, and treatment modalities.
  • Emphasis is placed on the correlation between pre-operative deficits, intervention timing, and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Early diagnosis and rapid treatment are paramount in preventing severe neurologic deficits.
  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics and may require surgical drainage of the abscess.
  • Favorable neurologic outcomes are linked to the severity and duration of initial deficits and the speed of intervention.

Conclusions:

  • Spinal epidural abscess is a medical emergency requiring swift diagnosis and intervention.
  • Antibiotics and surgical drainage are standard treatments.
  • Close monitoring of neurologic status by critical care nurses is essential for optimal patient management and outcomes.