An acute spinal epidural abscess is a rare cause of paraplegia, seen in seven patients over a period of ten years. All patients had fever and severe localized back-pain. Unless treated, within hours or a few days, there will be root defects and rapidly progressive paraplegia. Staphylococcus is the most frequent causative organism and clinically manifest septicaemia is common. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential in deciding the patient's fate. Myelography is an important additional examination as it demonstrates the abscess in 96% of cases. Non-contrast radiology is of little value. High-dosage antibiotics and surgical spinal decompression are the cardinal treatment procedures. Antibiotics alone are justified only so long as there are no neurological deficits and neurosurgical intervention, if needed, is immediately available.

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