Traumatic Lumbar Subdural Hematoma in the Absence of Intracranial Disease

BACK GROUND: Traumatic spinal subdural hematoma is an exceedingly rare condition, with those occurring in the absence of intracranial disease being particularly uncommon. Only 13 such cases have been reported. Although theories exist to describe the pathophysiology of traumatic spinal subdural hematoma, the precise mechanism and guidelines for management remain unclear. CASE DESCRIPTION: This report describes a 37-year-old woman who suffered a traumatic assault who developed progressive low back pain with radicular symptoms 2 days after presentation. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lumbar subdural hematoma extending from L1 to L5. No intracranial disease was detected on imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Definitive guidelines for management of this condition are uncertain; however, successful use of conservative management, lumbar drainage, and surgical evacuation has been reported. This patient underwent a lumbar laminectomy with evacuation of the hematoma, resulting in immediate pain relief and resolution of symptoms within 1 week of the procedure.