What initial treatment should be done for an Epidural Abscess?

The initial treatment for an epidural abscess should focus on addressing the potentially severe complications associated with the condition, such as neurological deficits or paralysis. Emergent surgical decompression and drainage is critical because it not only allows for removal of the abscess, which can rapidly expand and cause increased pressure on the spinal cord, but it also helps in obtaining cultures to guide appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Waiting for imaging studies or relying solely on intravenous antibiotics would not be sufficient in acute cases. While antibiotics play a key role in treating the underlying infection, they do not address the immediate mechanical effects of the abscess on surrounding structures. Therefore, the priority is surgical intervention, which can prevent irreversible damage to the nervous system and improve patient outcomes.