Turkish Neurosurgery
2010 , Vol 20 , Num 4
Is Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma in Elderly Patients an Emergency Surgical Case?
Gulhane Military Medical Academy Department of Neurosurgery Ankara, Turkey
DOI :
10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.2338-09.1
Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a rare condition requiring
urgent diagnosis and treatment. Patients with SSEH typically present with acute
onset of severe back pain and rapidly develop signs of compression of the spinal
cord. The authors present a case with spontaneous resolution of SSEH which is
extremely rare. We discuss a man who presented to our clinic with mild paraparesis
at the seventh day of his symptoms. He had a history of poorly controlled
hypertension and hypercholestrolemia requiring an antihyperlipidemic agent
and anticoagulation. His upper level of hypoesthesia was at the third thoracic
segment. Cervicothoracic SSEH was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging.
Since there was a gradual recovery of the neurological deficits beginning 12 hours
after the onset of symptoms, surgery was obviated and strict bed rest, serial
neurological examinations, and pain controls with opiates were instituted. The
neurological deficits showed complete recovery on the 25th day of the clinical
course. SSEH is rare and immediate surgical decompression is suggested. Rapid
neurological deterioration followed by early and progressive neurological
recovery, confirmed by radiological resolution of the lesion, may indicate nonoperative
treatment.
Keywords :
Conservative management, Spontaneous spinal hematoma, Surgery