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Petrositis

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Petrositis may be the result of infection from otitis media spreading to the petrous apex and involving the abducens nerve, or as an early or late complication of mastoid surgery. It is rare.

Clinical features include:

  • diplopia - from lateral rectus palsy
  • headache - spasmodic and felt deep behind the ear
  • evidence of middle ear infection
  • trigeminal pain

Gradenigo's syndrome is the triad of otorrhoea, retro-orbital pain and sixth nerve palsy.

Treatment:

  • antibiotics
  • mastoidectomy if the cause is chronic otitis media

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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