title: Spontaneous cervical spinal epidural hematoma in the postpartum period.
abstract: METHODS
  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.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  A case report of a spontaneous cervical spinal epidural haematoma in the postpartum period is presented and the pertinent literature is then reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patient had neurological recovery at 1-year follow-up, although she required clean intermittent self-catheterization once daily for bladder dysfunction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early recognition and intervention for our patient allowed for neurological recovery with a spontaneous cervical spinal epidural hematoma in the postpartum period.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore. puahkl@singnet.com.sg
authors.forename: Ken Lee
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Puah
authors.forename: Benjamin Phak Boon
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Tow
authors.forename: Wai Mun
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Yue
authors.forename: Chang Ming
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.forename: John Li Tat
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Seang Beng
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Tan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D046748:Hematoma, Epidural, Spinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy; D049590:Postpartum Period; D016896:Treatment Outcome