Mastoiditis Contusion

Contusional mastoiditis is an inflammation of the cells of the mastoid process of the temporal bone, resulting from a head injury.

Causes

The main cause of contusional mastoiditis is head trauma, such as a blow or fall, leading to damage to the bone tissue of the mastoid process. As a result, the integrity of the cellular system of the appendix is ​​disrupted and an inflammatory reaction occurs.

Other possible reasons include:

1. fracture of the base of the skull affecting the mastoid region;
2. blast injury accompanied by a sharp pressure drop.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of contusional mastoiditis:

1. pain and swelling in the mastoid area;
2. temperature increase;
3. headache;
4. suppuration from the ear.

The pain intensifies when pressing on the appendix and moving the head. Hearing loss may also occur on the affected side.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is established on the basis of anamnesis (indication of a previous head injury), clinical picture and the results of additional studies:

1. otoscopy - reveals suppuration from the ear canal;
2. CT or MRI of the temporal bones - allows you to detect inflammatory changes in the mastoid process.

A blood test during the acute period may show leukocytosis and accelerated ESR.

Treatment

Treatment of contusional mastoiditis consists of prescribing antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and painkillers. If conservative therapy is ineffective, surgical intervention may be required - anthrotomy of the mastoid process to remove pus and necrotic tissue.

The prognosis with timely treatment is favorable. However, the disease can lead to permanent hearing loss, and in untreated cases, intracranial complications may develop. Therefore, timely diagnosis and adequate treatment of contusional mastoiditis is important.