The natural resolution of a lumbar spontaneous epidural hematoma and associated radiculopathy

This is a report of a 37-year-old man who, while lifting a heavy box, developed severe low-back pain radiating into the right anterior thigh. The only clinical signs were paraspinal muscle spasm and a positive femoral nerve stretch test on the right. An electromyographic study demonstrated denervation in the right L2, L3, and L4 myotomes and paraspinal muscles. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a large L1-2 anterior epidural hematoma compressing the spinal cord. The patient's pain gradually improved with conservative management and he returned to light work after 4 weeks. Repeat electromyographic and MRI studies were normal, indicating a resolution of the radiculopathy and hematoma. The diagnosis and management of spontaneous epidural hematomas are discussed.