Neurological Complications of Acute and Chronic Otitis Media

Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2018 Feb 14;18(3):11. doi: 10.1007/s11910-018-0817-7.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The aim of this study is to discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, and management of the neurologic complications of acute and chronic otitis media.

Recent findings: Antibiotic therapy has greatly reduced the frequency of complications of otitis media. However, it is of vital importance to remain aware of the possible development of neurologic complications. There is a trend toward less severe presenting symptoms including otorrhea, headache, nausea, and fever, with altered mental status and focal neurologic deficits presenting later. In order to reduce morbidity, early deployment of a multidisciplinary approach with prompt imaging and laboratory studies is imperative to guide appropriate management. Complications of acute and chronic otitis media may present with neurologic signs and symptoms. It is important to recognize the possible otitic origin of such complications to ensure proper management and to decrease overall morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Acute otitis media; Chronic otitis media; Neurologic complications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Chronic Disease
  • Fever / diagnosis
  • Fever / drug therapy
  • Fever / etiology
  • Headache / diagnosis
  • Headache / drug therapy
  • Headache / etiology
  • Hearing Loss / diagnosis
  • Hearing Loss / drug therapy
  • Hearing Loss / etiology
  • Humans
  • Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy
  • Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Otitis Media / complications*
  • Otitis Media / diagnosis*
  • Otitis Media / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents