What is mastoiditis?
A person with mastoiditis has an infection of the mastoid bone, which is located behind the ear at the base of the skull. Mastoiditis is caused by an infection of the middle ear, called otitis media. The bacteria spread to the mastoid bone, which lies directly next to the middle ear.

What are the symptoms of mastoiditis?
Symptoms of mastoiditis include scalp pain, mastoid pain, mastoid swelling, and tenderness over the mastoid bone. Additional symptoms of mastoiditis include fever, ear pain, ear discharge, hearing loss, and vomiting.

How does the doctor treat mastoiditis?
Treatment for mastoiditis includes intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain and fever. Additional treatment for mastoiditis may include surgery to remove infected tissue from the mastoid bone.