Bilateral subdural effusions and brainstem sagging following labor epidural—Case report and literature review

Abstract

Epidural analgesia is a technique commonly used in labor. Intracranial subdural hygromas are a rare complication of neuraxial techniques and have only been reported in a handful of patients. We report a case of a female with postpartum headache, presenting 5 days after delivery where epidural analgesia was used, who was found to have bilateral subdural effusions and brainstem sagging. Our literature review summarizes pathophysiology, imaging, and approach to treatment, as well as guidance on long-term outcomes and follow-up needed in this patient population.

Keywords

• dural puncture
• epidural analgesia
• post-dural puncture headache
• subdural effusion
• subdural hygroma