Conservative treatment of acute spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma.

BACKGROUND

In cases of acute spontaneous epidural hematoma producing neurological deficits, emergency surgical evacuation is the standard treatment.

METHODS

Such a case is presented in which complete resolution of neurological deficits occurred without surgical intervention.

RESULTS

This is the fifth reported case of complete recovery in a patient managed conservatively. In most reports, significant and sustained neurological recovery had occurred with 12 hours of impairment of walking.

CONCLUSION

In cases of acute spontaneous spiral epidural hematoma in which neurological deterioration is followed by early and sustained recovery, non-operative therapy may be considered.