Spinal epidural hematoma occurrence in the absence of known risk factors: A case series

Spinal epidural hematoma in the absence of coagulopathy or anticoagulation therapy is an extremely rare occurrence, with a reported incidence of less than 1 in 1 million. We present seven cases of documented epidural hematoma in the absence of coagulopathy or anticoagulation therapy to alert the clinician to consider spinal or epidural hematoma when suspicious signs and symptoms are present after neuraxial block in the absence of coagulopathy or anticoagulation therapy. The need for immediate diagnosis and therapy is emphasized as the only potential for meaningful recovery. (C) 2004 by Elsevier Inc.