Intracranial Complications of Otitis Media - The Menace of Discharging Ears in Children.

Background: In developing nations, otitis media is widespread among people of low socioeconomic backgrounds. Chronic otitis media is a potentially fatal condition due to its consequences. Gradualbone erosion in chronic otitis media leads to serious intracranial complication.Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of intracranial complications of otitis media in children.Material and Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive & cross-sectional study conducted at the Department of ENT -----from 1st October 2018 to 30th September 2019 on 120 patients to determine the frequency of intracranial complications of otitis media in children. Children with ages ranging from 1 to 14 years were included in the study. Patients with suspicion of intracranial complications were admitted to ward for management and investigated. The types of complications occurring were noted to determine their frequencies.Results: A total of 120 children were included in the study. The male to female ratio was 3:2. Patients with age range of 3 and 5 years was the commonest group presenting with intracranial complications constituting 30.8% of all. Brain abscess was the commonest complication observed in 13(10.8%) of patients. Conclusion: Intracranial complication of chronic otitis media is common clinical problem faced by ENT surgeon affecting children of 3 to 5 years age, predominantly brain abscess.Keywords: Frequency, Intracranial Complications, Otitis Media, Children, Brain Abscess.