Question

A patient with ear discharge

• A. Cerebellar abscess
• B. Temporal lobe abscess
• C. Extradural abscess
• D. Meningitis

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Explanation: A patient presenting with ear discharge typically suggests an ongoing ear infection, such as otitis media or mastoiditis. One of the potential complications of such infections is the development of an abscess due to the spread of infection from the middle ear to adjacent areas. Let's analyze the possible options:

• Cerebellar abscess: This occurs when infection spreads to the posterior cranial fossa, affecting the cerebellum. However, ear infections more commonly spread to regions closer to the middle ear.
• Temporal lobe abscess: This is a common complication of chronic otitis media and mastoiditis because the temporal lobe is anatomically adjacent to the ear. Infections can spread directly from the middle ear to the temporal lobe.
• Extradural abscess: This type of abscess forms between the skull and dura mater. While possible, it is less common in direct association with ear infections compared to others, but it could be considered.
• Meningitis: This is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. While ear infections can lead to meningitis, it is not as directly related to localized abscess formation.

Given the information that the correct answer is Temporal lobe abscess, it aligns with the proximity of the temporal lobe to the middle ear and its high risk of infection spread. This reinforces the association between chronic ear infections and the development of a temporal lobe abscess.