Alerhand S, et al. – The purpose of this study was to illustrate the challenges of diagnosing spinal epidural abscess (SEA). It also elucidated vital diagnostic pitfalls, and present a model and framework for its evaluation. It was discovered that MRI was the best diagnostic imaging tool for SEA. Early diagnosis served as the major prognostic factor for a favorable outcome of SEA. However, arriving at this diagnosis in the emergency department (ED) was challenging. It was found that shifting from a “classic triad” screening to a risk factor–based model of evaluation represented the current optimal strategy for SEA diagnosis. This study presented an algorithm incorporating the most recent data.