Conditions and symptoms
What Is an Epidural or Spinal Hematoma? Label Warning
Epidural or Spinal Hematoma · say it: ep-ih-DOO-rul or SPY-nul hee-muh-TOH-muhAlso written: spinal hematoma, epidural hematoma, spinal/epidural hematoma, haematoma
Short answer
An epidural or spinal hematoma is bleeding around the spinal cord that can press on it; it is a medical emergency needing urgent help.
What it means
An epidural or spinal hematoma is a collection of blood around the spinal cord. It can press on the cord and nerves, and needs urgent medical help because it can cause lasting weakness or paralysis if not treated quickly. Warning signs include new back pain, numbness or weakness in the legs, and new problems controlling the bladder or bowels.
It appears as a boxed warning on many anticoagulant (blood thinner) labels. The risk is linked to having a spinal or epidural anesthetic, or a lumbar puncture, while taking a blood thinner. That is why it is important to tell anesthetists and surgeons about every blood thinner you take, so the timing of doses and procedures can be planned.
This is different from an ordinary bruise (also called a hematoma) on the skin. The serious concern here is bleeding near the spinal cord.
Where you may see it
- Boxed warnings on anticoagulant labels
- Anesthesia consent forms and pre-operative information
- Leaflets under 'Tell your doctor before any spinal procedure'
📄 How it looks on a report
Epidural or spinal hematomas may occur in patients treated with anticoagulants who are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture.
🙅 What it does not mean
- The boxed warning does not mean it is likely; it is uncommon, but serious enough to need planning.
- It does not apply to every procedure; the concern is mainly spinal and epidural procedures.
- It is not the same as a skin bruise.
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
💊 Medicines whose labels mention “Epidural or Spinal Hematoma”
Plain-English explanations of each medicine, from its official FDA label.
- Apixaban
A factor Xa inhibitor, a blood thinner medicine (anticoagulant)
- Clopidogrel
A platelet inhibitor of the P2Y12 type (a thienopyridine). It is a blood thinner that keeps platelets from sticking together.
🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “Epidural or Spinal Hematoma” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
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