Cranial subdural hematoma developing after spinal anesthesia: A case report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Anesthesiology
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Intracranial subdural hematoma is an exceptionally rare complication following spinal anesthesia.
• Spinal anesthesia involves injecting anesthetic into the cerebrospinal fluid in the spinal canal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of intracranial subdural hematoma after spinal anesthesia.
• To highlight the diagnostic and management considerations for this complication.

Main Methods:

• A case study of an 88-year-old female patient undergoing vaginal hysterectomy and anteroposterior repair under spinal anesthesia.
• Postoperative neurological assessment, including brain MRI diffusion and CT scans.
• Surgical intervention via burr hole drainage.

Main Results:

• The patient developed symptoms of intracranial subdural hematoma (decreased orientation, behavioral changes, right-sided weakness) four days post-surgery.
• Brain imaging confirmed bilateral subdural hematoma.
• The patient showed improvement following burr hole drainage.

Conclusions:

• Intracranial subdural hematoma is a potential, albeit rare, complication of spinal anesthesia.
• Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention can lead to favorable outcomes.
• This case underscores the importance of considering rare complications in postoperative neurological deficits.