What are the symptoms of spinal infection?
Spinal infection can be caused by both bacterial and fungal infection. In a large percentage of clinical cases, the causative agent is staphylococcus and intestinal bacteria.
The lumbar region is most often affected.
It is quite possible to develop a spinal infection even after a urological procedure. Dental procedures are also of concern - for example, during the procedure, bacteria may enter the spine through the bloodstream. The cause of the infection may be an open spinal trauma or a surgical operation in the spine.
A risk factor is any condition that weakens the immune system.
Risk factors are:
- Old age;
- Intravenous drug;
- Human immunodeficiency virus;
- History of systemic, long-term use of steroids in the anamnesis;
- Diabetes mellitus;
- If you have undergone an organ transplant;
- Cancer;
- Malnutrition.
The symptoms are different and depend on the type of spinal infection we are dealing with.
Common complaints are:
- Discharge from the wound;
- Swelling, redness, weakness near the wound area;
- Severe back pain;
- Fever;
- Trembling;
- Weight loss;
- Muscle spasm;
- Pain during urination or difficulty urinating;
- Numbness of hands and feet;
- Incontinence of stomach or urine;
- Paralysis.
Be sure to consult a doctor if you notice symptoms characteristic of a spinal infection - early diagnosis and timely treatment are the best means of preventing the progression of the infection. When treatment is not started in time, the infection progresses and damages the bone and tissue structure around the spine.
Contact the clinic immediately if:
- New neurological deficits were revealed, namely weakness in limbs, gastrointestinal/bladder incontinence;
- Despite taking medicine, you could not bring down the fever.
Source:
https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Spinal-Infections
