Abstract

Otitis media is the most common reason for antibiotic prescription in the United States. Whether due to disease virulence or growing antimicrobial resistance, complications of otitis media seem to be seen more frequently. These complications may be difficult to identify and treat. This article focuses on the pathophysiology of these complications and address medical and surgical approaches to safe treatment.

Keywords: Brain abscess, coalescent mastoiditis, Gradenigo’s syndrome, intracranial complications, intratemporal complications, lateral sinus thrombosis, meningitis, otitic hydrocephalus, Otitis media, antibiotic prescription, growing antimicrobial resistance, pathophysiology, surgical approaches, antibiotic resistant bacteria strains