Lesión medular asociada a hematoma epidural espinal espontáneo

Introduction

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a disease with low incidence and high morbidity/mortality. It can cause severe loss of function.

Material and methods

In order to determine the incidence, type of spinal injury and functional impact, a descriptive and retrospective study was developed, analysing demographic data, functional scores (SCIM III) and neurological scores (ISCNSCI).

Results

Cases of SSEH were reviewed. Seventy-five percent were male, median age was 55 years old. All of the spinal injuries were incomplete and were frequently in the lower cervical and thoracic regions. Fifty percent of bleedings occurred in the anterior spinal cord. Most showed with a progress after an intensive rehabilitation program.

Conclusion

SSEH could be considered to have a good functional prognosis, related to usually posterior and incomplete sensory-motor spinal cord injuries that would benefit from early specific rehabilitative treatment.