TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Parapharyngeal Space Abscess A1 - Jauch, Edward C. A1 - Valdez, J. Amadeo A2 - Knoop, Kevin J. A2 - Stack, Lawrence B. A2 - Storrow, Alan B. A2 - Thurman, R. Jason PY - 2021 T2 - The Atlas of Emergency Medicine, 5e AB - The parapharyngeal space, also known as the lateral pharyngeal or pharyngomaxillary space, is a pyramidal-shaped space with its apex at the hyoid bone and base at the base of the skull. Laterally, it is bound by the internal pterygoid muscle and the parotid gland with the superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle acting as the medial border. The posterior aspect of this space is in close proximity with the carotid sheath and cranial nerves IX through XII. Presenting symptoms of parapharyngeal space abscesses may include fever, dysphagia, odynophagia, drooling, and ipsilateral otalgia. Unilateral neck and jaw angle facial swelling in association with rigidity and limited neck motion is common. Potentially disastrous complications include cranial neuropathies, jugular vein septic thrombophlebitis, and erosion into the carotid artery. The origin of parapharyngeal abscesses may be from bacterial pharyngitis, sinuses, dentition, or lymphatic spread. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/29 UR - accessemergencymedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1181040668 ER -