What can be done to prevent the infection?

Some epidural abscesses can be prevented by effective treatment of the infection that causes it. For example, someone with a sinus infection should finish all prescribed antibiotics.

What are the long-term effects of the infection?

If the abscess is small and promptly treated, the person may have no long-term effects. If there is extensive damage to the brain, the person may have cognitive impairments, motor impairments, or other problems.

If untreated, epidural abscesses may continue to grow. This can put pressure on the surrounding nerves, causing them to lose function. It may also cause the abscess to rupture, spilling its contents into the bloodstream. In any case, the result of an untreated abscess is often death.

What are the risks to others?

An epidural abscess is not contagious, and poses no risk to others.