Spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma

ABSTRACT

Spinal epidural haematomas [SHE] is a potentially reversible cause of spinal cord and nerve root compression, may be acute or chronic; usually its occurrence may be associated with coagulation dysfunction from medications and disease states. Patients usually present with sudden onset of neurological dysfunction. The prompt diagnosis and treatment of this relatively rare condition, when attained rapidly requires surgical decompression and can result in satisfactory neurological recovery. In the period from 2001 - 2007, 7 patients were diagnosed as spontaneous SEH and managed by urgent spinal cord decompression, age from 12-44 years. Urgent magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] was done for all patients followed by urgent decompression according to the affected levels. Spontaneous spinal epidural haematomas are a rare spinal problem and need immediate diagnosis. Imaging study, mainly MRI according to the sensory level is the key for diagnosis and immediate surgical intervention is the cornerstone to get a good result: