Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
Pre-Chiasmatic, Single Injection of Autologous Blood to Induce Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Rat Model
Published on: June 18, 2021
Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma mimicking transient ischemic attack: A case report
Chuqiao Li1, Rui He, Xiaoqiang Li
1Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou Department of Neurology, Xiaolan Hospital of Southern Medical University, Zhongshan Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) can rarely present as transient hemiparesis mimicking a TIA. Early diagnosis through careful assessment and imaging is crucial for distinguishing SSEH from cerebrovascular events.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a rare neurological emergency with variable presentations.
- Typical SSEH symptoms include paraplegia or tetraplegia.
- A rare initial presentation involves recurrent hemiparesis with spontaneous recovery, mimicking transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Observation:
- A 71-year-old female experienced two episodes of transient right hemiparesis within 5 hours.
- Symptoms recurred and rapidly progressed to quadriplegia, dyspnea, and uroschesis.
- Neurological examination revealed tetraplegia and hypalgesia below C2, without facial palsy or aphasia.
Findings:
- The patient was initially misdiagnosed with TIA and treated with antiplatelet therapy.
- Cervical MRI revealed a dorsal epidural hematoma from C2 to C6, confirming SSEH diagnosis.
- Surgical decompression and hematoma removal were performed one week after symptom onset.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering SSEH in patients presenting with TIA-like symptoms, especially with neck pain and hemiparesis sparing cranial nerves.
- Accurate diagnosis requires thorough clinical assessment and prompt neuroimaging.
- Timely intervention is critical for managing SSEH and improving patient outcomes, although recovery can be limited.
