Spinal Infection Caused By Tooth Decay? Posted: 01-05-08 12:08pm
Hello,
I am wondering if anyone has heard of a
tooth cavity/dental infection causing a
spinal infection?
I have a cracked wisdom tooth that appears
to have a cavity in it and about a month
or two after this happened I was diagnosed
with a spinal epidural abscess. I had to
have surgery and several months of
rehabilitation to recover from the
compression on my spinal cord.
I talked to an infectious disease
specialist to try and pinpoint a cause for
the abscess but he did not think the tooth
had anything to do with it. The infection
was found to be Group B Strep if that
gives any clue.
Now that I am getting much better after my
surgery I am going to have the tooth taken
care of but I just wanted to know if it
could possibly be the culprit for this
whole situation (despite what the ID doc
thinks). Thanks to anyone who can help!
|
prdent1
Supporter
Joined: 26 Dec 2007 Posts: 69
Posted: 01-05-08 20:21pm
I have never heard about it ,I doubt it
because the bacterias that causes caries
are not Group B strep you should look for
another causes because These infections
may spontaneously arise secondary to
another infection somewhere in the body
which include urinary tract infections,
pneumonia, meningities or blood
infections. Infections may also
occasionally occur as a result of
surgeries.
|
elphaba
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 05 Jan 2008 Posts: 2
Posted: 01-08-08 10:49am
Thanks prdent. That's basically what the
infectious disease specialist said as
well. He also said in a good percentage of
cases like this they never learn the
source of the infection at all.
|
benn34
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 08 May 2008 Posts: 1
Spinal Epidural Abscess Posted: 05-08-08 03:15am
Hi, I have just read your post and even
though I cant answer your question I have
been in a very similar situation myself.
In 2003 I had a routine operation on my
bottom jaw then six weeks later I ended up
with a spinal epidural abscess T1-T5
caused by Staph Aureas bug and even though
there is much debate as to whether it was
a result of my jaw operation my
physiotherapist told me (as far as she is
concerned) there is a possibility as she
has heard of a case where a man ended up
with an abscess on his brain after having
an abscess on his tooth and I myself are
convinced that mine was through my jaw
surgery as it was only six weeks after but
then I dont think we will know for sure
until more people will come forward, only
time will tell. Best Wishes Ann.
The site is not a replacement for professional medical opinion, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical doctor or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information written by any author on this site. No health questions and information on eHealth Forum is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor. Posts made to these forums express the views and opinions of the author, and not the administrators, moderators, or editorial staff and hence eHealth Forum and its principals will accept no liabilities or responsibilities for the statements made.
Schizophreniahealth
This page was last updated on June 11, 2008
