Risks of A Spinal Epidural Haematoma (SEH)

A Delay in Diagnosis Can Lead To A Claim

The risks of a spinal epidural haematoma (SEH) are neurological problems, breathing issues and chronic pain. While SEH is rare, it is a serious condition and requires quick medical attention. It may be caused by injury, medical treatments, medications and even certain health conditions.

A spinal epidural haematoma (SEH) is where blood collects in the epidural space around the spinal cord. This build-up of blood can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.  SEH can result from trauma, spinal surgery, epidural injections, blood-thinning medications, or underlying clotting disorders.

It is a medical emergency that often requires urgent surgery to relieve pressure and prevent permanent nerve damage. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing long-term damage.

If you have suffered from a delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of a spinal epidural haematoma, you may want to find out more about a potential claim for compensation.

Symptoms of Spinal Epidural Hematoma (SEH)

The symptoms of SEH can vary based on where the blood has collected and how much pressure it’s putting on the spinal cord. Some symptoms come on suddenly, while others develop more slowly. Common symptoms may include:

Pain

• Radicular Pain: A sharp, shooting pain along the nerve path. This is often one of the first signs and gets worse with movement.
• Back Pain: Localised pain at the site of the hematoma, especially after trauma or surgery.

Neurological Symptoms

As the haematoma presses on the spinal cord or nerves, it can cause problems like:

• Weakness or Paralysis: Depending on the location, this could range from mild weakness to complete paralysis.
• Sensory Issues: Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the affected area, which might feel like “pins and needles.”
• Bladder and Bowel: In severe cases, people may lose control over their bladder or bowels. This may indicate a medical emergency like cauda equina syndrome.

Motor Problems

• Gait Disturbance: Difficulty walking or feeling unsteady due to weakness in the legs.
• Paralysis: If untreated, SEH can lead to partial or complete paralysis of the legs.

Reflex Changes

• Hyperreflexia: Exaggerated reflex responses in the affected limbs.
• Loss of Reflexes: Some reflexes might be reduced or gone if the hematoma is pressing on certain parts of the spine.

 

Causes of Spinal Epidural Hematoma (SEH)

SEH can be caused by different factors, which can be grouped into traumatic and non-traumatic causes.

Trauma: Injury to the spine is one of the main causes of SEH. This can happen from:

• Car accidents
• Falls
• Sports injuries
• Direct blows to the spine

Even minor injuries can cause SEH in people who are on blood thinners or have blood clotting issues.

Blood Thinners and Medications:  Medications that affect blood clotting can make SEH more likely. These include:

• Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs)
• Aspirin and other blood thinners.

People taking these medications are more likely to bleed.

Spinal Procedures and Surgeries: Certain medical treatments can lead to SEH, often due to accidental injury to blood vessels:

• Epidural anaesthesia and spinal injections: The needle used during these procedures can cause damage to blood vessels.
• Lumbar puncture: Although safe in most cases, it can sometimes puncture a blood vessel.
• Spinal surgeries: SEH is a known risk after spinal decompression surgery and other spinal procedures.

Blood Disorders: People with bleeding disorders are more likely to develop SEH, including those with:

• Haemophilia
• Von Willebrand disease
• Liver disease (which affects clotting)
• Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)

Infections and Inflammation:  Infections like spinal abscesses can damage blood vessels and lead to SEH. Chronic inflammation in the spine, such as from ankylosing spondylitis, can also weaken blood vessels and increase the risk of bleeding.

Risks of Spinal Epidural Hematoma (SEH)

SEH can cause serious health issues due to the pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. The risks depend on where the hematoma is, how big it is, and how quickly it forms. Major risks include:

Neurological Problems

Compression of the spinal cord or nerves can cause pain, numbness, loss of movement, loss of sensation

Permanent Disability

If SEH isn’t diagnosed and treated quickly, it can cause long-lasting damage to the spinal cord, leading to permanent disability like quadriplegia or paraplegia.

Breathing Problems

If SEH affects the cervical spine, it can impact the nerves controlling breathing, leading to trouble breathing and potentially respiratory failure.

Chronic Pain

Even if neurological function is preserved, the damage can cause long-term pain, which can affect daily life and cause emotional distress.

Filing a Medical Negligence Claim

Medical negligence claims are possible when a healthcare professional’s mistake or failure to provide appropriate care leads to harm, including conditions like spinal epidural hematoma (SEH). If you, or someone you know, has suffered from SEH due to medical negligence, you may be able to claim compensation.

Negligence may include failure to diagnose promptly, errors during a medical procedure, medication errors and failure to provide adequate post-operative care.

For a successful claim, you must prove that the medical professional’s negligence directly caused your spinal epidural haematoma and that this negligence led to harm or worsened your condition. It is essential to consult with a lawyer who specialises in medical negligence compensation claims.

‘No Win, No Fee’ Claims

With expert advice and dedicated support, we can ensure you get the support you need. We work with solicitors who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Reach out now to take the first step towards making your claim. Our friendly team will guide you through the claims process.

Call us for free at 0333 358 3034 or visit Jefferies Claims Contact Us Page we can call you back for a free, no-obligation consultation.