Multiple lumbar punctures aiming to relieve headache results in iatrogenic spinal haematoma: a case report

Background: Multiple lumbar punctures have historically been a strategy to relieve headaches associated with idiopathic intracranial hypertension despite limited clinical evidence of long-term efficacy. Lumbar puncture is typically a straightforward procedure with minimal complications reported, however, serious complications can occur. Lumbar-puncture-related spinal hematomas are rare but can lead to irreversible paralysis.

Case presentation: We report a case of a 28-year-old Caucasian woman who was treated with multiple lumbar punctures to manage headache, thought to be attributed to idiopathic intracranial hypertension. The patient developed a lumbosacral epidural hematoma following a lumbar puncture, which led to incomplete cauda equina syndrome. Multiple lumbar punctures had been the long-term management for the patient’s chronic headaches associated with her diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. She had no risks of an underlying coagulopathy. Following a lumbar puncture, she re-presented with lower back pain and bilateral paresthesia. Over the subsequent 48 hours, this progressed to urinary incontinence and saddle paresthesia. Imaging revealed an epidural hematoma, which was conservatively managed. She continued to report saddle paresthesia and urinary incontinence 7 months following the lumbar puncture. Between 1974 to 2022, our literature search found 41 case reports detailing lumbar-puncture-related spinal hematomas. It is an established but rare complication of lumbar puncture and there are limited studies looking at the incidence of its occurrence. Whilst coagulopathy has been found to be a risk factor, it is unclear if the gauge of the needle is relevant. Case evidence suggests there may be no significant difference in outcomes between surgical and conservative management of spinal hematomas. This case highlights that lumbar punctures can be invasive, with potentially serious complications. A lumbar puncture should therefore only be performed when clinically justified.

Conclusions: This case highlights a rare complication of lumbar puncture and emphasizes the importance of a risk–benefit discussion for each procedure. Spinal hematoma following lumbar puncture is a rare complication but with potentially devastating consequences. Within the setting of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, the evidence base for the long-term benefit of headache relief by repeat lumbar puncture is low.