Spontaneous Cervical Spinal Epidural Hematoma in the Postpartum Period

Abstract

We present the case study of a 31-year-old lady who had a spontaneous cervical spinal epidural hematoma in the postpartum period and who presented with sudden onset of neck pain and lower limb weakness for which an emergency decompressive laminectomy was performed with neurological recovery. To report on the spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in the postpartum period, which is a rare complication during pregnancy and requires early recognition and expedient intervention to prevent permanent neurological sequelae. This complication has been described only once previously in the postpartum period. The recovery of the patient described here highlights the importance of early recognition and surgical intervention. A case report of a spontaneous cervical spinal epidural haematoma in the postpartum period is presented and the pertinent literature is then reviewed. The patient had neurological recovery at 1-year follow-up, although she required clean intermittent self-catheterization once daily for bladder dysfunction. Early recognition and intervention for our patient allowed for neurological recovery with a spontaneous cervical spinal epidural hematoma in the postpartum period.