SummarySpinal epidural abscess (SEA) as a cause of back pain, fever, and neurological deficits has been recognised. Reports of this entity have increased in recent years, possibly likely secondary to increasing intravenous drug abuse. Most patients recover without neuro logical sequalae. Recent reports in fact indicate that those with persistent deficit have a much poorer prognosis for survival. As a result, few patients with SEA are seen in spinal injury rehabilitation programmes. Our 5 years experience with SEA was reviewed. Thir teen patients were admitted with residual neurological deficits following a course of pro longed antibiotic therapy. Of these most had progressive neurological improvement with only 3 of 4 remaining Frankel class A and 3 of 7 Frankel class C. The only mortalities (2) were secondary to the underlying medical problems. Most patients were discharged home.
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