## Overview Nuchal bursitis, traditionally called poll evil, is inflammation of the bursa at the poll, often involving the nuchal ligament attachments. It causes swelling, extreme pain on poll flexion, and reluctance to lower the head. Infection (including Brucella, Actinomyces, or Borrelia in some regions) or trauma can be responsible. Chronic cases become disfiguring with draining tracts. ## Causes Trauma or bacterial infection of the nuchal bursa. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs, ultrasound of the bursa, and culture or polymerase chain reaction of bursal fluid. ## Treatment Surgical debridement and prolonged antibiotics for infected cases. Traumatic cases may respond to anti-inflammatories and rest. Recurrence is possible. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded for infectious cases. Recovery is often prolonged. ## Prevention Avoidance of poll trauma and attention to regional infectious risks.
swelling at the poll; extreme pain on flexion; draining tract if infected; reluctance to lower the head
## Overview Nuchal bursitis, traditionally called poll evil, is inflammation of the bursa at the poll, often involving the nuchal ligament attachments. It causes swelling, extreme pain on poll flexion, and reluctance to lower the head. Infection (including Brucella, Actinomyces, or Borrelia in some regions) or trauma can be responsible. Chronic cases become disfiguring with draining tracts. ## Causes Trauma or bacterial infection of the nuchal bursa. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs, ultrasound of the bursa, and culture or polymerase chain reaction of bursal fluid. ## Treatment Surgical debridement and prolonged antibiotics for infected cases. Traumatic cases may respond to anti-inflammatories and rest. Recurrence is possible. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded for infectious cases. Recovery is often prolonged. ## Prevention Avoidance of poll trauma and attention to regional infectious risks.
swelling at the poll; extreme pain on flexion; draining tract if infected; reluctance to lower the head