Petrositis

Petrositis is an inflammation of infectious origin that affects the petrous portion of the temporal bone, a deep area of the skull located near the inner ear.

Common causes: It is usually a complication of middle ear infections that spread to this bony region when they do not fully resolve.

Frequent symptoms: Deep pain around or behind the eye and the ear, discharge from the ear, fever, and, in some cases, abnormal eye movement due to the proximity of important nerves.

When to see a doctor? If you have persistent ear pain accompanied by discharge or fever, it is advisable to seek care. The otolaryngologist is the specialist who evaluates these ear structures and guides the workup of the condition.