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Ear anatomy

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Malignant otitis externa

Alternative Names: Osteomyelitis of the skull; Otitis externa - malignant Symptoms: drainage from the ear yellow, yellow-green, pus, foul smelling persistent hearing loss ear pain may worsen on head movement may be located deep within the ear itching of the ear or ear canal fever Signs and tests: A doctor will look into your ear for signs of an outer ear infection (otitis externa). The head around and behind the ear may be tender to touch. A neurological examination may show that the cranial nerves are affected. Text Continues Below If there is any drainage, the doctor may send it to the lab for a culture to be performed. The purpose of the culture is to look for bacteria or fungus, usually the bacteria Pseudomonas. To look for signs of a bone infection adjacent to the ear canal, the following tests may be performed: CT scan of the head X-rays of the skull MRI scan of the head Radionuclide scan

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