What treatment may be necessary in a severe case of mastoiditis?

In a severe case of mastoiditis, intravenous antibiotics and surgical intervention may be necessary.

1. Intravenous Antibiotics: High doses of broad-spectrum antibiotics are administered intravenously to combat the bacterial infection. Antibiotics like ceftriaxone or vancomycin are typically used to cover common causative organisms.

2. Mastoidectomy: If the infection is severe and does not respond well to antibiotics alone, a surgical procedure called a mastoidectomy may be necessary. During a mastoidectomy, the surgeon removes the infected mastoid air cells and any diseased bone. The surgeon may also place a drainage tube to allow any remaining infection to drain out.

3. Imaging and Monitoring: Regular imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRIs, may be performed to monitor the infection and assess the progress of treatment. Close monitoring is essential to ensure the infection is controlled and there are no complications.