Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma after use of Anticoagulation Therapy

Abstract

Spontaneous epidural hematoma (SEH) is an uncommon cause of spinal cord compression. It tends to occur in patients at high risk for hemorrhage. Various medications are associated with SEH, including antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, and thrombolytics. Because patients usually present with neurologic deficits, early diagnosis and proper management are required to achieve full recovery. The principal management is surgical evacuation of the SEH via laminectomy. We present a case of a 51year-old woman on both oral aspirin and intravenous heparin who subsequently developed a SEH.