STUDY DESIGN: A case report and review of literature. OBJECTIVE: We report on a patient with traumatic spinal subdural hematoma after vigorous back massage while on vacation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Traumatic spinal subdural hematoma is extremely rare, and to our knowledge, this is the first case reported after violent back massage. We emphasize a high index of suspicion for early recognition and treatment for a good neurological recovery. METHODS: A 41-year-old male was brought to our hospital with severe back pain, motor and sensory impairments of the bilateral lower extremities, and urinary dysfunction after vigorous back massage. Magnetic resonance images revealed an acute spinal subdural hematoma in the thoracolumbar region. After careful monitoring of his neurological status, the patient was successfully managed with conservative treatment. RESULTS: After 2 weeks of hospitalization, complete motor power recovery was achieved with only minor sensory deficit. At a follow-up of more than 12 months, the patient has no residual neurological deficits. CONCLUSION: Spinal subdural hematoma secondary to physical trauma is quite rare. This case brings new information that traumatic spinal subdural hematoma can be caused by violent massage. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.
STUDY DESIGN: A case report and review of literature. OBJECTIVE: We report on a patient with traumatic spinal subdural hematoma after vigorous back massage while on vacation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Traumatic spinal subdural hematoma is extremely rare, and to our knowledge, this is the first case reported after violent back massage. We emphasize a high index of suspicion for early recognition and treatment for a good neurological recovery. METHODS: A 41-year-old male was brought to our hospital with severe back pain, motor and sensory impairments of the bilateral lower extremities, and urinary dysfunction after vigorous back massage. Magnetic resonance images revealed an acute spinal subdural hematoma in the thoracolumbar region. After careful monitoring of his neurological status, the patient was successfully managed with conservative treatment. RESULTS: After 2 weeks of hospitalization, complete motor power recovery was achieved with only minor sensory deficit. At a follow-up of more than 12 months, the patient has no residual neurological deficits. CONCLUSION: Spinal subdural hematoma secondary to physical trauma is quite rare. This case brings new information that traumatic spinal subdural hematoma can be caused by violent massage. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.