Final answer:
The symptoms of a muffled voice, stridor, and refusing to turn the head to the left in a patient who was not treated for pharyngitis could indicate a complication called retropharyngeal abscess. The diagnosis requires a physical examination and possibly imaging tests. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and drainage of the abscess.
Step-by-step explanation:
The symptoms of a muffled voice, stridor, and refusing to turn the head to the left in a patient who was not treated for pharyngitis could indicate a complication called retropharyngeal abscess. A retropharyngeal abscess is an infection located behind the throat, typically caused by a bacterial infection. This can occur when an initial case of pharyngitis is left untreated.
The diagnosis of a retropharyngeal abscess would require a physical examination by a healthcare professional, including a careful examination of the throat and neck. Imaging tests, such as a CT scan, may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the extent of the abscess.
The treatment for a retropharyngeal abscess usually involves a combination of antibiotics to treat the infection and drainage of the abscess. The abscess may be drained through a procedure called needle aspiration or by making a small incision to allow the pus to drain.