Intracranial subdural hematoma after spinal anesthesia in a parturient.
BACKGROUND
: An intracranial subdural hematoma is a rare and potentially fatal complication of spinal anesthesia.


METHODS
: A gravida 2, para 1 underwent a repeat cesarean for transverse fetal lie. Four hours postoperatively she developed a severe headache with acute nausea and vomiting. Computed tomography scan revealed a 6-mm right subdural hematoma and midline shift of ventricles. She underwent a right frontal craniotomy with evacuation of the hematoma and eventually had a complete recovery.


CONCLUSIONS
: Headache and atypical neurologic signs presenting after spinal anesthesia should prompt rapid evaluation for intracranial hemorrhage.
Dawley
Brenda
B
From the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, West Virginia.
Hendrix
Amy
A
D000328:Adult; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002585:Cesarean Section; D017984:Enoxaparin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D046648:Hematoma, Subdural, Intracranial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008508:Medication Errors; D010360:Patient Transfer; D011247:Pregnancy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D000925:Anticoagulants; D017984:Enoxaparin