Spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma with complete recovery

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Spinal Cord Medicine

Background:

• Spontaneous spinal epidural hematomas (SSEH) are exceptionally rare neurological emergencies.
• Cervical spine involvement accounts for only 25% of SSEH cases.
• SSEH often leads to significant, permanent neurological deficits in survivors.

Observation:

• An elderly patient presented with an acute spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma.
• The patient experienced severe neurological impairment due to the cervical hematoma.

Findings:

• Surgical evacuation of the cervical epidural hematoma was performed.
• The patient demonstrated a remarkable and complete neurological recovery post-surgery.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for full recovery even in severe SSEH cases.
• Early surgical intervention may be crucial for favorable outcomes in spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma.
• Presents a rare instance of successful surgical management and recovery in a challenging demographic.