Who is at risk for developing an epidural hematoma?

Who is at risk for developing an epidural hematoma?

Anyone who receives a spinal or epidural anesthetic is at risk for developing an epidural hematoma. Epidural hematoma is extremely rare and is generally associated with patients who have disorders of hemostasis. A patient with a clinically active coagulopathy or with a history of easy bruising or bleeding is considered to have an absolute contraindication to regional anesthesia. However, many gray areas exist and this is especially true in patients with thrombocytopenia.