Subacute cervical epidural hematomas

The authors report two cases of cervical epidural hematomas with atypical subacute clinical presentation; both were operated on with excellent results. The literature is reviewed and the etiologic factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and therapy are discussed. It is concluded that the clinical presentation and evolution of cervical epidural hematomas are more variable than previously described, including slow evolving forms and even cases with spontaneous resolution. Magnetic resonance imaging is the diagnostic procedure of choice. Early surgical decompression and evacuation of the lesion is the indicated therapy in most cases.