12.01.2019 - By Zack Olson, MD and Michael Estephan, MD
CAUTION: THESE NOTES CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!
Case Introduction
A notorious, disheveled frequent flyer presents to your emergency department for her back pain and is asking for more Dilaudid…
Initial Vitals
* Temp 99.0* HR 99* RR 18* BP 118/78* O2 99%
Critical Actions
* Ask about Red Flags for Spinal Infection* Perform a Thorough Spinal Exam* Obtain MRI Spine with Contrast* Initiate Broad Spectrum Antibiotics* Treat Pain when Pathology Identified
Final Diagnosis
Spinal Epidural Abscess
Tips and Tricks
Don’t let consultants or other members of your team talk you out of appropriate management of a patient
Additional Reading
* Basic approach to Back Pain (EM Clerkship)* Epidural Abscess Overview (AAFP Website)