Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
07:17
Establishing a Mouse Contusion Spinal Cord Injury Model Based on a Minimally Invasive Technique
Published on: September 7, 2022
[Spinal cord hemorrhage complicating diagnostic lumbar puncture]
J L Sánchez-Menoyo1, J Ruiz-Ojeda, A Martínez-Arroyo
1Servicio de Neurología, Unidad de Galdakao, Hospital de Galdakao-Usansolo, Galdakao, Vizcaya, España. joseluis.sanchezmenoyo@osakidetza.net
Revista De Neurologia
|April 3, 2009
Summary
Spinal cord hematomas can occur after traumatic lumbar punctures, even without bleeding disorders. A conservative management approach showed excellent outcomes in two reported cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Spinal cord hematoma is a rare but serious complication following lumbar puncture.
- This condition can arise even in patients without pre-existing coagulation disorders.
Observation:
- Two cases are presented: a young male with cerebrospinal fluid hypotension and a 69-year-old female with headache and gait instability.
- Both patients underwent traumatic diagnostic lumbar punctures.
- Post-procedure, both developed symptoms including back pain, leg radiation, and sciatica, with one requiring urinary catheterization.
Findings:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed subdural hematoma in Case 1 and epidural hematoma in Case 2, extending from the thoracic to the sacral regions.
- Both patients had normal coagulation parameters prior to the procedure.
- A conservative, non-surgical approach was adopted for both patients.
Implications:
- These cases suggest that spinal cord hematomas can occur idiopathically after lumbar puncture.
- A conservative management strategy, with close monitoring, can lead to excellent recovery, challenging the traditional surgical approach for mild symptoms.
- Highlights the importance of considering conservative treatment options for spinal hematomas post-lumbar puncture.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
01:14Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
Spinal cord injury progresses through two interconnected phases: primary injury and secondary injury.Primary InjuryPrimary injury happens at the moment of trauma and involves immediate mechanical damage to the spinal cord.Compression happens when broken vertebrae, herniated discs, or accumulating blood (such as a hematoma) press directly against the spinal cord, distorting its normal shape and function. In cases of contusion, the cord is bruised by a blunt force (like penetrating injuries or...
01:29Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...