It is usually caused by the spread of an infection from the middle ear. The symptoms include fever, a throbbing earache, ringing in the ears, and reduced hearing. In some patients, the bone behind the ear may hurt, and the ear may discharge pus. Treatment with antibiotic drugs cures most patients.
Early treatment is essential to prevent damage to the mastoid bone.
If bone damage has already occurred or if the infection does not respond to antibiotics, part of the mastoid bone may be surgically removed.