Spinal Cord Abscess

Overview

A spinal cord abscess (SCA) is an uncommon illness that can result in persistent spinal cord injury and is linked with a high death rate and neurological morbidity. An abscess is a swelling region of your tissues that has a pus accumulation. It occurs when infected tissues get harmed. White blood cells are sent by your body's immune system to aid in the battle against illness. White blood cells start to fill the injured tissue, causing pus to form. Dead cells, immune cells, and bacteria make up pus.

Bacterial infection of the spinal cord is the most common cause of SCA. SCAs are most commonly caused by bacteria from the Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species. Once inside your body, these bacteria may find a home and flourish in your spinal cord.

An SCA may not cause any symptoms at first. However, if the infection or abscess spreads, it might put pressure on your spinal cord. The infection and pressure can produce potentially catastrophic symptoms such as quick onset of pain, rapid onset of weakness, loss of feeling below the abscess, paralysis below the abscess, loss of control of your bladder and intestines, and fever.