What is the management of a suspected epidural hematoma?
Management of suspected epidural hematoma includes prompt neurosurgical consultation, confirmation of the diagnosis by MRI (or if MRI is not immediately available by CT scan or myelogram) emergent decompressive laminectomy, and administration of methylprednisolone for spinal cord protection. Recovery of neurologic function is related to time between onset of symptoms and surgical decompression. If laminectomy occurs within 8 hours following the onset of neurologic signs, complete or good recovery occurs in over 70% of cases compared to less than 15% if decompression occurs later
REFERENCES
6. Wulf-H. Epidural anaesthesia and spinal hematoma [review] Can J Anaesth. 1996;43(12):1260-71