Mastoiditis

Inflammation of the mastoid bone in the skull. The disease is caused by infection spreading from the middle ear (see otitis media) to the air cells in the mastoid bone through a cavity called the mastoid antrum. Mastoiditis causes earache and severe pain, swelling, and tenderness behind the ear. There is usually also fever, a creamy discharge from the ear, progressive hearing loss, and displacement of the outer ear. If the infection spreads, it may lead to meningitis, a brain abscess, blood clotting in veins within the brain, or facial palsy. Treatment is with antibiotic drugs. If the infection persists, an operation known as a mastoidectomy may be carried out to remove the infected air cells.