Abscess Spinal epidural abscess 2020-09-28T22:20:47Z Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is caused by a suppurative infection in the epidural space. The mass effect of the abscess can compress and reduce blood flow to the spinal cord, conus medullaris, or cauda equina. Left untreated, the infection can lead to sensory loss, muscle weakness, visceral dysfunction, sepsis, and even death. Early diagnosis is essential to limit morbidity and neurologic injury. The classic triad of fever, axial pain, and neurological deficit occurs in as few as 13 percent of patients, highlighting the diagnostic challenge associated with SEA. A severe pyogenic infection of the epidural space