Spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Background: Spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma (SCEH) is an uncommon cause of acute spinal cord compression. This is a rare idiopathic condition that leads to acute onset of neurologic deficits, which if not diagnosed early can lead to catastrophic consequences. Case Description: Here, we report a 41-year-old male, diagnosed with SCEH, with a presenting chief complaint of cervical pain followed by progressive quadriparesis and urgency of micturition who was managed surgically, along with the review of literature. Conclusion: SCEH is a rare pathologic entity. Due to the high risk of poor neurological outcome without treatment, SCEH should be a diagnostic possibility when the presentation is even slightly suggestive. Prompt surgical evacuation of the hematoma and hemostasis leads to a favorable neurological outcome, whereas delay in treatment can be disastrous.