What causes spinal epidural hematoma?

Spinal epidural hematoma is a space-occupying lesion caused by several cause. It has been reported after trauma, lumbar puncture, epidural anesthesia, operation, coagulopathy, vascular malformation, neoplasm, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, anticoagulative medication, etc4,7,9,10,17,19,24).

What is a cervical epidural hematoma?

Epidural hematoma is a disease in which blood accumulates in the epidural space of the vertebral body. This disease is usually caused by trauma or iatrogenic surgery, and may be associated with blood coagulopathies, neoplasms, or degenerative spinal disease.

What causes a hematoma on the spine?

Spinal hematomas are often idiopathic; however, other common causes include trauma, iatrogenic diagnostic or pain management interventions, vascular malformations, and coagulopathy or anticoagulant medications (2).

How is a spinal hematoma diagnosed?

MRI is currently the best diagnostic modality for evaluating suspected spinal epidural hematoma. A CT can be obtained if MRI is not readily available but a negative CT in a high-risk patient should be followed with an MRI.

How serious is a spinal hematoma?

A spinal hematoma is a collection of blood that compresses the spinal cord and nerve roots. Significant compression of the spinal cord can result in irreversible neurologic damage. Symptoms may include pain, weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, loss of bowel and/or bladder control, or paralysis.

How do you shrink a hematoma?

These measures usually help to reduce inflammation and diminish its symptoms.

1. Rest.
2. Ice (Apply the ice or cold pack for 20 minutes at a time, 4 to 8 times a day.)
3. Compress (Compression can be achieved by using elastic bandages.)
4. Elevate (Elevation of the injured area above the level of the heart is recommended.)

What is the definition of a spinal epidural hematoma?

Spinal Epidural Hematoma. Definition. Spinal epidural hematoma is a collection of blood in the potential space between the dura and the bone, along the spinal canal. Significant bleeding can lead to spinal cord damage, causing neurological injury and deficit. This is a neurosurgical emergency. Epidemiology.

How is a hematoma in the spinal cord treated?

Treatment is with immediate surgical drainage. (See also Overview of Spinal Cord Disorders .) Spinal subdural or epidural hematoma (usually thoracic or lumbar) is rare but may result from back trauma, anticoagulant or thrombolytic therapy, or, in patients with bleeding diatheses, lumbar puncture.

What is the risk of iatrogenic spinal epidural hematoma?

Iatrogenic spinal epidural hematoma The risk of bleeding after procedures increases with anatomical factors such as vertebral abnormalities, multiple attempts at needle placement, and use of anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy (Yi 2006)

Where does the blood go after an epidural hematoma?

Spinal epidural hematoma is a collection of blood in the potential space between the dura and the bone, along the spinal canal. Significant bleeding can lead to spinal cord damage, causing neurological injury and deficit.