Epidural haematoma requiring surgical decompression following repeated cervical epidural steroid injections for chronic pain

Pain. 1990 Aug;42(2):197-199. doi: 10.1016/0304-3959(90)91162-C.

Abstract

We report a case of epidural haematoma following a steroid injection into the cervical epidural space. The complication occurred on the seventh such injection over a 2 year period for chronic spinal pain. Surgical decompression over the seventh cervical and the upper 3 thoracic vertebrae was required to alleviate the symptoms of paralysis and anaesthesia. The patient subsequently required skin grafting to the surgical site and two trans-urethral resections of the prostate gland during his 6 week hospital admission. He made a full recovery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / complications
  • Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / etiology*
  • Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / surgery
  • Humans
  • Injections, Epidural / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neck
  • Palliative Care / adverse effects*
  • Palliative Care / methods
  • Paralysis / etiology
  • Sensation
  • Steroids / administration & dosage*
  • Steroids / therapeutic use
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Steroids