Acute subdural hematoma as a complication of diagnostic lumbar puncture: Case report

Abstract

Background: Intracranial hemorrhagic complications are unusual after diagnostic lumbar puncture.
Case report: A diagnostic lumbar puncture was performed in a 55 year-old male for acute bacterial meningitis workup. Immediately after the procedure he developed intense headache and a head Computed Tomography (CT) was done which identified an acute subdural fluid collection. No surgical management was offered and conservative medical follow-up was indicated.
Conclusion: The occurrence of a headache with red flags after a lumbar puncture may suggest the possibility of an acute subdural hematoma.