Due to its location adjacent to brain or spinal cord, epidural abscesses have the potential to cause weakness, pain, and paralysis.

A spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a collection of pus or inflammatory granulation between the dura mater and the vertebral column.

[3] SEAs are more common in males, and can occur in all ages, although highest prevalence is during the fifth and seventh decades of life.

[1] Combined treatment of emergency surgery and antibiotics is the preferred treatment for the spinal epidural abscess, removing existing pus (which is tested for microorganisms to select the most appropriate antibiotic) and removing pressure from the spinal cord and nerve roots.

These typically arise (along with osteomyelitis of a cranial bone) from infections of the ear or paranasal sinuses.