Mastoiditis

A complication of otitis media, which can result in a serious infection spreading to the mastoid air cells, known as mastoiditis.

Otitis media

Mastoiditis presents with a swelling behind the ear which usually causes some level of loss of hearing in the patient.

Other signs and symptoms can include:

tenderness behind the ear
a white discharge in the ear canal
a perforated or bulging tympanic membrane
fever and generally unwell

IF SUSPECTED, REFER TO A&E IMMEDIATELY

For treatment the hospital will start the patient on IV antibiotics. Following failure of this then surgery will be considered, corticol mastoidectomy.