Mastoiditis is the inflammation of the mastoid process behind the ear and of the air space (mastoid antrum) connecting it to the cavity of the middle ear. More briefly, it is the inflammation of the mastoid air cells. It is usually caused by bacterial infection that spreads from the middle ear, and the condition is associated with general pain in the ears with headache suppuration of the mastoid sinuses of the head which are situated just behind the ears. When traeatment is unsuccessful, or when the problem recurs frequently, the mastoid sinuses may be removed in an operation called a mastoidectomy. Mastoiditis may cause deafness. The following general terms are used under mastoid process:
