Conservative treatment of acute spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma.
BACKGROUND
In cases of acute spontaneous epidural hematoma producing neurological deficits, emergency surgical evacuation is the standard treatment.


METHODS
Such a case is presented in which complete resolution of neurological deficits occurred without surgical intervention.


RESULTS
This is the fifth reported case of complete recovery in a patient managed conservatively. In most reports, significant and sustained neurological recovery had occurred with 12 hours of impairment of walking.


CONCLUSIONS
In cases of acute spontaneous spiral epidural hematoma in which neurological deterioration is followed by early and sustained recovery, non-operative therapy may be considered.
Pahapill
P A
PA
Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
Lownie
S P
SP
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D006407:Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000098:blood supply; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery