Spinal epidural hematoma after spinal manipulative therapy in a patient undergoing anticoagulant therapy: A case report

Objective: We report on the case of a patient with spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) after spinal manipulative therapy and review features of reported cases of a similar nature. Clinical Features: The patient was undergoing Cournadin anticoagulant therapy for atrial fibrillation and presented to the chiropractor complaining of a stiff neck. After cervical manipulation, he developed paresthesia in both feet, progressing to motor deficits in all 4 extremities. He required a laminectomy and evacuation of a clot indenting the spinal cord. Results: Review of the literature revealed 7 reported cases of SEH after manipulation; 5 patients underwent cervical manipulation and 1 patient received Cournadin therapy. Conclusion: Practitioners of spinal manipulative therapy should be aware of SEH as a possible complication of manipulation in patients at risk and should exercise caution in the care of patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy.