A spinal epidural hematoma with symptoms mimicking cerebral stroke

A spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma (SCEH) is a rare condition, which usually requires urgent treatment. However, unusual manifestations, such as hemiparesis, may lead to a misdiagnosis. We herein report a case of SCEH that presented with pure motor hemiparesis to discuss the appropriate and pr...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nagoya journal of medical science 2012-02, Vol.74 (1-2), p.207-210
Main Authors: Shima, Hiroshi, Yasuda, Muneyoshi, Nomura, Motohiro, Mori, Kentaro, Miyashita, Katsuyoshi, Tamase, Akira, Kitamura, Yoshihisa, Osuka, Koji, Takayasu, Masakazu
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged, 80 and over
Case Report
Cervical Vertebrae - diagnostic imaging
Cervical Vertebrae - physiopathology
Diagnosis, Differential
Female
Hematoma, Epidural, Spinal - complications
Hematoma, Epidural, Spinal - diagnosis
Hematoma, Epidural, Spinal - diagnostic imaging
Hematoma, Epidural, Spinal - physiopathology
Hematoma, Epidural, Spinal - therapy
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Motor Activity
Neck Pain - etiology
Paresis - etiology
Paresis - physiopathology
Predictive Value of Tests
Stroke - diagnosis
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:A spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma (SCEH) is a rare condition, which usually requires urgent treatment. However, unusual manifestations, such as hemiparesis, may lead to a misdiagnosis. We herein report a case of SCEH that presented with pure motor hemiparesis to discuss the appropriate and prompt diagnosis and treatment of such cases. An 84-year-old female was brought to our emergency department complaining of nuchal pain, followed by right hemiparesis. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the neck demonstrated a spinal epidural hematoma right posterolateral to the spinal cord, extending from C2 to C3. She was managed conservatively and her symptoms improved significantly. The authors emphasize that cervical spinal lesions should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients with acute onset of hemiparesis, when they are associated with neck pain. Even though magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard, a CT scan is also useful for quick screening for SCEH.
ISSN:0027-7622
2186-3326