Intracranial epidural hematoma after spinal anesthesia for cesarean section: a case report

JA Clin Rep. 2024 Oct 7;10(1):62. doi: 10.1186/s40981-024-00744-x.

Abstract

Background: Although subdural hematoma is a rare complication after spinal anesthesia, there have been no reports of an intracranial epidural hematoma after cesarean section with spinal anesthesia.

Case presentation: A 32-year-old nulliparous woman at the 35th week of a twin pregnancy underwent an emergency cesarean section due to her first contraction. She had no preoperative complications and the spinal anesthesia was uneventful, with 0.5% bupivacaine 12 mg and fentanyl 15 µg from the L3/4 intervertebral space. She complained of headache and nausea 15 min after spinal anesthesia, demonstrating a consciousness disturbance after surgery. Computed tomography 2 h after the cesarean section revealed an intracranial epidural hematoma. She underwent decompressive craniotomy 1 h later.

Conclusion: This case highlights the possible development of an intracranial epidural hematoma in low-risk obstetric patients.

Keywords: Cesarean section; Intracranial epidural hematoma; Spinal anesthesia.