SPONTANEOUS SPINAL EPIDURAL HEMATOMA - ANOTHER NEUROLOGIC COMPLICATION OF COCAINE

Objectives: To describe a patient with a spontaneous spinal epidural h ematoma associated wth cocaine use and to present issues related to pa thogenesis and management of this potential complication. Design: Case report. Setting: Municipal hospital. Case: A spontaneous spinal epidu ral hematoma developed at the thoracic level in a 62-year-old man in a ssociation with cocaine use. Clinical, laboratory, and radiologic data are presented. Main Outcome and Results: The patient was treated medi cally with intravenous and oral dexamethasone sodium phosphate. His ne urologic status gradually improved during a 12-day hospitalization. Co nclusion: Cocaine use should be considered in the evaluation of sponta neous spinal epidural hemorrhage.