Intracranial epidural hematoma after spinal anesthesia for cesarean section: a case report
Hiroshi Nagasaka1, Yuta Horikoshi2, Tina Nakamura2
1Department of Anesthesiology, Saitama Medical University Hospital, 38 Morohongo, Moroyamacho, Irumagun, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan. hnagasak2000@gmail.com.
JA Clinical Reports
|October 7, 2024
Summary
Intracranial epidural hematoma is a rare complication following spinal anesthesia. This case report details a patient who developed this serious condition after a cesarean section, highlighting a potential risk even in low-risk obstetric patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Anesthesiology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Subdural hematoma is a known rare complication of spinal anesthesia.
- Intracranial epidural hematoma after cesarean section with spinal anesthesia has not been previously reported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of intracranial epidural hematoma following spinal anesthesia during cesarean section.
- To raise awareness of this potential complication in obstetric patients.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 32-year-old pregnant woman undergoing emergency cesarean section.
- Spinal anesthesia administered uneventfully with bupivacaine and fentanyl.
- Postoperative monitoring revealed neurological symptoms, leading to computed tomography scan.
Main Results:
- Computed tomography confirmed an intracranial epidural hematoma 2 hours after cesarean section.
- The patient experienced headache, nausea, and consciousness disturbance.
- Decompressive craniotomy was performed 1 hour after diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Intracranial epidural hematoma can occur as a complication of spinal anesthesia in obstetric patients.
- This case underscores the importance of vigilance for neurological symptoms post-spinal anesthesia in cesarean section patients.
- Low-risk obstetric patients may still be susceptible to rare neurological complications.
