Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026
The Rabbit Blood-shunt Model for the Study of Acute and Late Sequelae of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Technical Aspects
Published on: October 2, 2014
Subdural haematoma following infant spinal anaesthesia
Robert J McDougall1,2, Richard Barnes3, R Andrew Danks4
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia. rob.mcdougall@rch.org.au.
Introduction:
Subdural haematoma (SDH) is rare following spinal anaesthesia and has not been reported previously in an infant. Non-accidental injury is the commonest cause of subdural haematoma in infants.
Methods:
We describe two cases of SDH following spinal anaesthesia in infants.
Results:
In both cases, forensic investigation was commenced and no evidence of child abuse was found. Both children are well 2 years after diagnosis.
Conclusion:
Paediatric health workers should be aware of the possibility of SDH after spinal anaesthesia and consider this as a differential diagnosis when investigating possible non-accidental injury in an infant.
