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Warning-sign checks

Petrositis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Go to an emergency department now if an ear infection or recent mastoiditis is accompanied by:

    • New double vision or an eye that is not moving normally
    • A severe or rapidly worsening headache
    • Confusion, unusual sleepiness, fainting, or a seizure
    • Neck stiffness, repeated vomiting, or marked sensitivity to light
    • New facial weakness, numbness, limb weakness, or trouble speaking
    • Sudden difficulty walking or severe loss of balance
    • Fever with rapidly worsening illness
    • Swelling or severe tenderness behind the ear with neurological symptoms
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Suspected petrositis requires urgent hospital assessment.

    Seek same-day medical advice for persistent deep ear pain, continuing ear discharge, worsening headache, or symptoms that return after an ear infection was treated.

    These symptoms do not always mean petrositis, but they should not wait for a routine appointment.

    Contact the treating service sooner if pain, fever, discharge, hearing, balance, or double vision worsens during recovery.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate after hospital treatment when symptoms are stable or improving.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Petrositis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.