Spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma: A cautionary tale

Abstract

Less than two hundred cases of spontaneous spinal epidural heamatoma (SSEH) have been reported in the literature and theories as to its genesis are diverse. It is a serious condition, especially if there is a delay in diagnosis, as early treatment confers marked prognostic advantage. We present a case report of a 68-year-old male who was diagnosed as having a spinal epidural haematoma, followed by a discussion of the possible aetiology of this condition.