Intradural Extramedullary Hematoma after Cervical Epidural Injection: A Case Report

Intradural Extramedullary Hematoma after Cervical Epidural Injection: A Case Report

Intradural extramedullary (IDEM) hematomas are extremely rare, but present with potentially catastrophic consequences. In the present case, a 71-year-old male, who did not take anticoagulation medication or have any coagulopathy, had an IDEM hematoma after an attempted cervical epidural injection. The patient underwent surgical decompression and regained full muscle power except his right finger abductor. As demonstrated in this case, if there are neurologic symptoms after epidural steroid injection, early recognition and treatment is necessary.

Intradural extramedullary (IDEM) hematomas are extremely rare, but present with potentially catastrophic consequences. In the present case, a 71-year-old male, who did not take anticoagulation medication or have any coagulopathy, had an IDEM hematoma after an attempted cervical epidural injection. The patient underwent surgical decompression and regained full muscle power except his right finger abductor. As demonstrated in this case, if there are neurologic symptoms after epidural steroid injection, early recognition and treatment is necessary.