What Is A Deep Neck Infection?

A “deep neck” infection refers to

an infection or abscess (collection of pus) located deep under the skin near blood vessels, nerves, and muscles

.

What causes deep neck infection?

The most common causes are when someone is undergoing a bacterial or viral infection from either a

cold, tonsillitis, ear infection

, or a sinus infection. As the infection worsens, it will spread deep down in the tissue or lymph nodes in the neck.

How do you treat an infected neck?

1. Antibiotic medications (to treat the infection). Often, antibiotics must be given intravenously (in the vein) and hospitalization may be required.
2. Drainage of the abscess using a needle. This procedure may require hospitalization.

How common are deep neck infections?

A study using the Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) to determine the incidence of deep neck infections found that the incidence of retropharyngeal abscess increased significantly from 0.1/10,000 in 2000 to

0.22/10,000 in 2009

.

What is deep neck space infection?

Deep neck space infection (DNSI) refers

to an infection in the potential spaces and fascial planes of the neck

, either with abscess formation or cellulitis (1). At least 11 deep spaces are part of the complex structure formed by the facial planes, providing possible infection sites.

How do you diagnose a deep neck infection?

CT scans

are the standard of care (test of choice) when evaluating the extent of a deep neck space infection. They give very accurate pictures of the infection’s location, which is especially useful if surgical drainage of the infection is required.

How long does a neck infection last?

When not taking antibiotics, bacterial infections and the sore throats they cause may last anywhere from

a week to 10 days

. Sore throats caused by bacteria can sometimes be associated with a more serious illness.

Can an infected tooth make your neck hurt?

Symptoms of an abscess in your tooth or gum may include: an

intense, throbbing pain in

the affected tooth or gum that may come on suddenly and gets gradually worse. pain that spreads to your ear, jaw and neck on the same side as the affected tooth or gum.

What kind of infection causes neck pain?

Meningitis

—which in its most dangerous form is a bacterial infection that causes the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord to be inflamed—is the most common serious condition associated with a stiff neck.

Can muscle strain cause swollen lymph nodes in neck?

Enlarged lymph nodes (“swollen glands”) can be present with a variety of infections. Stiff neck can be a sign of meningitis if fever and headache are present, or it may be related to

muscle strain

. Because your symptoms have many potential causes, seek the advice of a healthcare provider if you are concerned.

Can a neck abscess be fatal?

This commonly encountered and usually

non-lethal disease can

, however, potentially lead to death if the neck infection is not properly treated. In medico-legal practice, medical examiners need to make themselves aware of this condition, as this would be important in the diagnosis of the cause of death.

What are the other sited for deep neck space infection?

Deep neck space infections most commonly arise from a septic focus of the

mandibular teeth, tonsils, parotid gland

, deep cervical lymph nodes, middle ear, or sinuses.

What are deep neck flexors?

The deep neck flexors consist of:

the longus colli, longus capitus, rectus capitus and longus cervicus

. All help you maintain neck stability and good posture. What makes this group of four so important? Studies published in 2016 report that about 70% of people with chronic neck pain become weaker here.

Why is it called collar button abscess?

Collar button abscesses are aptly named, as

they resemble the collar buttons used to fasten the collars of men’s dress shirts in the early 20th century

. Common hand infections can be divided into superficial and deep with regard to the fascial planes and compartments of the hand.

What is U shaped Phlegmon?

Phlegmon is a medical term describing an

inflammation of soft tissue

that spreads under the skin or inside the body. It’s usually caused by an infection and produces pus. The name phlegmon comes from the Greek word phlegmone, meaning inflammation or swelling.

What is the Prevertebral space?

Prevertebral space. The prevertebral space is

located anterior to the vertebral bodies and posterior to the prevertebral division of the deep layer of the deep cervical fascia

. It lies just posterior to the danger space (see below).