Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid bone of the skull.
The mastoid is located just behind the ear. Mastoiditis is
usually caused by a middle ear infection (acute otitis media).
The infection may spread from the ear to the mastoid bone of the
skull. The mastoid bone fills with infected materials and its
honeycomb-like structure may deteriorate. Mastoiditis usually
affects children. Before antibiotics, mastoiditis was one of the
leading causes of death in children. Now it is a relatively
uncommon and much less dangerous condition. Exams and Tests An
examination of the head may reveal signs of mastoiditis. The
following tests may show an abnormality of the mastoid bone: A
culture of drainage from the ear may show bacteria. Mastoiditis
may be difficult to treat because medications may not reach deep
enough into the mastoid bone. It may require repeated or long-
term treatment. The infection is treated with antibiotics by
injection, then antibiotics by mouth. Surgery to remove part of
the bone and drain the