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Malignant otitis externa

Alternative Names:
Osteomyelitis of the skull; Otitis externa - malignant

Treatment:
The goal of treatment is to cure the infection. Treatment is often prolonged, lasting several months, because of the difficulty of treating the bacteria and the difficulties reaching an infection that is within bone tissue.

Antibiotics effective against the microorganism are given for prolonged periods. They may be given intravenously, or sometimes by mouth. Antibiotics should be continued until scans or other tests show a reduction in inflammation.

Occasionally, surgical debridement of the skull is needed to allow drainage and to reduce deterioration of the bone.

Expectations (prognosis):
Malignant otitis externa usually responds to prolonged treatment but may return in the future.

Complications:
  • damage to the cranial nerves, skull, or brain
  • spread of infection to the brain or other parts of the body
  • malignant otitis externa returning in the future, even after treatment


Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

  • symptoms of malignant otitis externa develop
  • symptoms persist despite treatment
  • new symptoms develop

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if convulsions, decreased consciousness, severe confusion, or similar symptoms develop.



Review Date: 5/6/2003
Reviewed By: Jason Newman, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Washington, DC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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