Intracranial subdural hematoma after spinal anesthesia in a parturient.

Background: : An intracranial subdural hematoma is a rare and potentially fatal complication of spinal anesthesia.

Methods: : A gravida 2, para 1 underwent a repeat cesarean for transverse fetal lie. Four hours postoperatively she developed a severe headache with acute nausea and vomiting. Computed tomography scan revealed a 6-mm right subdural hematoma and midline shift of ventricles. She underwent a right frontal craniotomy with evacuation of the hematoma and eventually had a complete recovery.

Conclusions: : Headache and atypical neurologic signs presenting after spinal anesthesia should prompt rapid evaluation for intracranial hemorrhage.