Intracranial subdural haematoma following dural puncture accidental: clinical case

Abstract

Intracranial subdural hematoma is a rare, but potentially lethal complication of neuraxial procedures. Considering the high frequency of neuraxial techniques in the obstetric population, parturients are more susceptible to this fearful complication. The diagnosis is often masked and delayed because it shares similar clinical characteristics with posdural puncture headache, with headache being the most common symptom. This case report describes a timely diagnosis and successful management of an intracranial subdural hematoma, after unintentional dural puncture during labour epidural analgesia. Postpartum headache following epidural analgesia, remains a clinical challenge for the caring team, requiring a close follow-up and awareness for non-benign causes that require prompt management, avoiding devastating consequences.

Keywords: Analgesia epidural para el parto; Cefalea pospunción dural; Hematoma subdural intracraneal; Intracranial subdural hematoma; Labour epidural analgesia; Postdural puncture headache; Punción dural accidental; Unintentional dural puncture.