Abstract
BackgroundSubdural hematoma is a rare, potentially devastating, yet curable complication of spinal anesthesia. Differentiation between post-dural puncture headache and subdural hematoma can be difficult, resulting in a delay in diagnosis.Case presentationWe present a 28-year-old Ethiopian female patient who underwent elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia and returned to the emergency department after 1 month with a worsening headache. Brain computed tomography revealed a chronic subdural hematoma with a significant midline shift. The patient recovered completely after surgical evacuation.ConclusionsA high index of suspicion and close attention to the pattern and characteristics of the headache, coupled with a meticulous neurologic examination and neuroimaging, can help to achieve timely diagnosis of this serious entity. Investigation with head computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is vital.
Highlights
Subdural hematoma is a rare, potentially devastating, yet curable complication of spinal anesthesia
Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is one of the common complications of spinal anesthesia that is usually managed with bed rest in a flat position, hydration, and simple analgesics [1]
We presented a case of subdural hematoma that occurred more than 1 month after spinal anesthesia lumbar puncture was done for cesarean section
Summary
A high index of suspicion and close attention to the pattern and characteristics of the headache, coupled with a meticulous neurologic examination and neuroimaging, can help to achieve timely diagnosis of this serious entity.
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