Complications
If the inflammation has formed an abscess in the area of the spinal column and this constricts the spinal canal, neurological symptoms may occur. These include signs of paralysis, sensitivity disorders or a loss of temperature sensation. In this case, action must be taken as soon as possible to prevent the neurological deficits from persisting.
If the diagnosis is made too late, this can have devastating consequences for the patient. Due to the infection of the intervertebral discs and bony structures, these are increasingly destroyed and thus lead to malpositions of the spine. This can be accompanied by chronic pain, neurological deficits or even paraplegia.
In addition, the bacteria causing this can spread throughout the entire body and thus cause life-threatening sepsis. The bacteria can also infect the heart muscle (endocarditis) and can lead to permanent damage to the heart valves, resulting in heart failure.