The mastoid bone is the back part of the temporal bone of the skull located just behind the inner ear. Mastoiditis is infection of the mastoid bone.
Mastoid process, the smooth pyramidal or cone-shaped bone projection at the base of the skull on each side of the head just below and behind the ear in humans.
Subsequently, Is mastoiditis serious?
If left untreated, mastoiditis can cause serious, even life-threatening, health complications, including hearing loss, blood clot, meningitis, or a brain abscess. But with early and appropriate antibiotic treatment and drainage, these complications can usually be avoided and you can recover completely.
Also, Why does my mastoid bone hurt?
Mastoiditis is most often caused by a middle ear infection (acute otitis media). The infection may spread from the ear to the mastoid bone. The bone has a honeycomb-like structure that fills with infected material and may break down. The condition is most common in children.
Is mastoiditis an emergency?
Mastoiditis is a severe condition that can potentially become life-threatening. People should not delay treatment. They should go to an urgent care clinic or the emergency room if it is the weekend or after hours.
Last Review : 11 days ago.
What is the function of the mastoid process?
Itis a complex bone, which along with many of its landmarks, features a bulgy prominence called the mastoid process. The mastoid process is easily palpable just behind the ears. It serves for the attachment of many head muscles. Moreover, it contains air-filled spaces called the mastoid air cells.
What is mastoid process anatomy?
Definition. The mastoid process is a smooth conical projection of bone located at the base of the mastoid area of the temporal bone. It allows the attachment of muscles such as the occipitofrontalis muscle, as well as certain muscles of the neck like the sternocleidmastoid and splenius capitis muscles.
Why is the mastoid process important?
Inferior view The mastoid process is part of the temporal bone. It is the insertion for the sternocleidomastoid muscle. In fact it is this muscle that causes this landmark to develop. … As a group these muscles are responsible for rotation or extension of the head.
Where is mastoid process located?
temporal bone
What is the function of mastoid process?
Itis a complex bone, which along with many of its landmarks, features a bulgy prominence called the mastoid process. The mastoid process is easily palpable just behind the ears. It serves for the attachment of many head muscles. Moreover, it contains air-filled spaces called the mastoid air cells.
What does it mean if it hurts behind your ear?
Pain behind the ear can often be caused by infection, like Swimmer’s ear, dental complications, or swollen lymph nodes behind the ear. Sharp pain behind the ear can also be associated with headaches, jaw pain, or pain located in the back of the neck. Read below for more information on causes and treatment options.
How long does it take to recover from mastoiditis?
After surgery for mastoiditis, you or your child will probably need to take 7 to 10 days off work or school. Take care not to get the affected ear wet. You should be able to wash your hair after about a week, providing you do not get water inside your ear.
Where is the mastoid bone located?
The mastoid is located just behind the ear. Mastoiditis is an infection of the bony air cells in the mastoid bone, located just behind the ear.
What does it mean when your mastoid process hurts?
When the mastoid cells become infected or inflamed, often as a result of an unresolved middle ear infection (otitis media), mastoiditis can develop. Because so many vital structures pass through the mastoid, infection may spread outside of the mastoid bone and cause serious health complications.
What does mastoid mean?
(Entry 1 of 2) 1 : being the process of the temporal bone behind the ear also : being any of several bony elements that occupy a similar position in the skull of lower vertebrates. 2 : of, relating to, or occurring in the region of the mastoid process.
What does the mastoid process do?
The mastoid process’ main function is to provide an area of attachment to several important muscles in the head. For instance, it is the attachment site of certain muscles of the neck: Sternocleidomastoid muscle – enables the rotation of the head to the contralateral side.
What are the symptoms of a mastoid infection?
– redness, tenderness and pain behind the ear.
– swelling behind the ear that can cause it to stick out.
– discharge from the ear.
– a high temperature, irritability and tiredness.
– headache.
– hearing loss in the affected ear.
How long does it take for mastoiditis to clear up?
Typically, the tube will fall out on its own after six to 12 months. If the symptoms don’t quickly improve on IV antibiotics, or complications, like an abscess or bone erosion are present, surgery to remove the infected mastoid bone may be recommended. This is called a mastoidectomy.
What muscles attach to mastoid process?
The mastoid process serves for the attachment of the sternocleidomastoid, the posterior belly of the digastric muscle, splenius capitis, and longissimus capitis.
How serious is mastoiditis?
If left untreated, mastoiditis can cause serious, even life-threatening, health complications, including hearing loss, blood clot, meningitis, or a brain abscess. But with early and appropriate antibiotic treatment and drainage, these complications can usually be avoided and you can recover completely.
[advanced_iframe use_shortcode_attributes_only=”true” src=”about:blank” height=”800″ width=”800″ change_parent_links_target=”a#link1″ show_iframe_as_layer=”external” enable_ios_mobile_scolling=”true”]
Spread the word ! Don’t forget to share.