Traumatic C1–C3 Spinal Epidural Hematoma Presented with Occipital Neuralgia

Authors:
  • EHEui Hyun Hwang
    Eui Hyun Hwang
  • CPChang-Yong Park
    Chang-Yong Park
  • SKSang Hyun Kim
    Sang Hyun Kim
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Abstract
A 32-year-old woman presented to our hospital with occipital headache for >1 week following head trauma. She showed no other neurologic symptoms. Pain was aggravated by cervical flexion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings showed a spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) at the C1 to C3 level. The C2 roots were encircled and compressed by the hematoma. Medication was prescribed and a neck collar was applied for symptom control. After three weeks, her occipital neuralgia disappeared and cervical flexion did not provoke pain. Followup MRI findings showed total resolution of the SEH. The findings of this case illustrate that occipital neuralgia, especially if characterized by rapid onset, can be caused by SEH after trauma.

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