Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Microvascular Decompression: Salient Surgical Principles and Technical Nuances
10:35

Microvascular Decompression: Salient Surgical Principles and Technical Nuances

Published on: July 5, 2011

Intracranial otogenic complications: a persisting problem

J Samuel, C M Fernandes, J L Steinberg

    The Laryngoscope
    |March 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Acute mastoiditis can lead to severe intracranial sepsis, particularly in children and young adults. Prompt antibiotic treatment and advanced imaging have improved outcomes for these serious infections.

    Area of Science:

    • Otolaryngology
    • Neurosurgery
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Acute mastoiditis is a serious infection that can extend beyond the mastoid bone.
    • Intracranial complications, including meningitis and brain abscess, are significant risks.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To report on the incidence and outcomes of acute mastoiditis with intracranial complications.
    • To analyze the types of intracranial complications and associated mortality rates.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective review of 335 cases of acute mastoiditis with complications.
    • Analysis of patient demographics, complication types, and mortality data.

    Main Results:

    • 224 cases (67%) presented with intracranial sepsis.
    • Meningitis (37%) was most common; brain abscess had highest mortality (36%).
    • Overall mortality rate was 14%, reduced compared to historical data.

    Conclusions:

    • Neglected otitis media is a frequent precursor to these severe complications.
    • Antibiotics, CT scans, and multidisciplinary surgical collaboration have improved patient outcomes.

    More Related Videos

    Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation06:59

    Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation

    Published on: February 29, 2020

    Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery09:53

    Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

    Published on: July 5, 2021

    Related Concept Videos

    Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care01:26

    Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

    Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
    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,...
    Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

    Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

    Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
    Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

    Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

    Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
    Cerebral Edema l: Introduction01:19

    Cerebral Edema l: Introduction

    Cerebral edema is a pathological increase in brain water content that disrupts intracranial pressure regulation and impairs neurological function. Because the cranial vault is rigid, even modest increases in tissue volume can compromise cerebral perfusion, distort neural structures, and initiate secondary injury. Cerebral edema develops through four principal mechanisms: vasogenic, cytotoxic, interstitial, and ionic.Vasogenic EdemaVasogenic edema arises from disruption of the blood–brain...
    Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

    Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

    Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...