Cranial subdural haematoma after spinal anaesthesia

Abstract

Intracranial subdural haematoma is an exceptionally rare complication of spinal anaesthesia. A 20-yr-old male underwent appendicectomy under partial spinal and subsequent general anaesthesia. A week later, he presented with severe headache and vomiting not responding to bed rest and analgesia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a small acute subdural haematoma in the right temporo-occipital region. The patient improved without surgical decompression. The pathogenesis of headache and subdural haematoma formation after dural puncture is discussed and the literature briefly reviewed. Severe and prolonged post-dural puncture headache should be regarded as a warning sign of an intracranial complication.