Acute spinal epidural hematoma

J Emerg Med. 1993 Jul-Aug;11(4):437-41. doi: 10.1016/0736-4679(93)90247-5.

Abstract

A 17-year-old female presented to the Emergency Department with a history of recent onset of severe upper thoracic back pain, urinary retention, weakness and paraesthesia in the lower limbs. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan demonstrated a spinal epidural hematoma at the C7-T2 level. This report highlights a rare, but eminently treatable condition; the use of MRI Scan as a specific diagnostic tool; and the need for urgent surgical decompression to ensure good recovery of function.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Female
  • Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / complications
  • Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Spinal Cord Compression / etiology*
  • Spinal Cord Compression / pathology
  • Spine / pathology