Spontaneous Resolution of Spinal Epidural Hematoma

ABSTRACT

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma is an uncommon cause of acute non-traumatic myelopathy and usually requires surgical evacuation. The typical clinical presentation is that of sudden and severe neck or back pain followed by progressive motor, sensory, and sphincteric disturbances within minutes to hours. Although many cases are idio-pathic, common causes include anticoagulant therapy, coagulopathies, hypertension, and vascular malformations. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the primary method for diagnosis and follow-up. Prompt neurosurgical treatment with decompressive laminectomy has been regarded as the general method for neurological recovery, although rare cases of spontaneous recovery have been reported. We report such a case of spontaneous cervical spinal epidural hematoma that showed complete spontaneous resolution.