Subdural spinal haematoma after spinal anaesthesia in a patient taking aspirin.

Haematoma in the spinal canal may be catastrophic if the condition is not detected and treated early. In the enclosed spinal canal, even a small space-occupying lesion may be rapidly symptomatic. Clinical presentation ranges from benign back pain to severe neurological deficits, the nature of which depends on the level of compression (cauda equina or spinal cord). Despite surgical decompression and extended rehabilitation, many patients suffer permanent disability. Aspirin use prior to neuraxial block is not generally contraindicated in the literature but we would recommend withholding the anticoagulant, if safe, or considering an alternative form of anaesthesia.