Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma causing Brown-Sequard syndrome: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Spinal epidural hematoma is a rare clinical entity and has a varied etiology. Urgent surgical evacuation to prevent serious permanent neurologic deficits is generally indicated. We describe a case of a 52-year-old man, on oral anticoagulant therapy, who presented with Brown-Sequard syndrome due to spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma at the cervicothoracic junction. This diagnosis was initially overlooked, given the asymmetric pattern of deficit. He later underwent cervical laminectomy and had complete restoration of neurologic function.