Subdural hematoma (SDH) following labor epidural analgesia is a rare neurological
complication. SDH is a late complication of this procedure; it is caused by a leak
of cerebrospinal fluid that may damage the vascular structures of the brain. Persistent
headache in the days after labor epidural analgesia is a nonspecific clinical symptom
caused by hematoma. Preexisting vascular malformations can be a concomitant cause
of headache. Clinical cases have been reported even after epidural anesthesia. The
differential diagnosis includes unspecified headache, sinusitis headache, drug-induced
headache, cortical vein thrombosis, fistula of the dura mater, and bacterial, viral,
and aseptic meningitis.
Key-words:
Accidental dural puncture - blood patch - dural fistula - epidural analgesia - subdural
hematoma
