A Case Report: An Acute Spinal Epidural Hematoma after Acupuncture Mimicking Stroke

Spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) after acupuncture is rare and may present with acute or subacute onset and varied symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose. This condition can mimic acute stroke, so it is vital to establish a clear diagnosis before considering thrombolytic therapy, which could be disastrous if applied inappropriately.

We describe a 52-year-old man who presented to our emergency department (ED) with acute onset of unilateral weakness of the limbs for 3.5 h immediately after receiving acupuncture at the bilateral neck and back. The acute stroke team was activated. In the ED, computer tomography angiography from the aortic arch to the head revealed spinal epidural hematoma. The patient was admitted to the ward for conservative treatment and was discharged with subtle residual symptoms of arm soreness 5 days later. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Acute spinal epidural hematoma rarely presents with unilateral weakness of the limbs, mimicking a stroke. Because inappropriate thrombolysis can lead to devastating symptoms, spinal epidural hematoma should be excluded when evaluating an acute stroke patient with a history of acupuncture who is a possible candidate for thrombolytic therapy.