Spinal Epidural Abscess
After this simulation case, learners will be able to diagnose and manage patients with spinal epidural abscesses. Specifically, learners will be able to: 1) Obtain a detailed history, including past infectious, surgical, procedural and social history to evaluate for epidural abscess risk factors; 2) describe clinical signs and symptoms of spinal epidural abscesses and understand that initial clinical presentations can be variable;
3) perform a focused neurological exam including evaluation of motor, sensory, reflexes, and rectal tone; 4) order appropriate laboratory testing and imaging modalities for spinal epidural abscess diagnosis, including a post-void bladder residual volume; 5) select appropriate antibiotics for empiric treatment of spinal epidural abscess depending on patient presentation; 6) disposition the patient to appropriate inpatient care.




