J Emerg Med. 1989 Nov-Dec; 7(6): 615-7.

A case of subdural hematoma and temporal bone fracture as complications of chiropractic manipulation.

Stuart PJ, Bernstein T.

Department of Emergency Medicine, Wright State University School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio.

We present a case of subdural hematoma and temporal bone fracture as a complication of chiropractic manipulation. Subdural hematoma in the elderly may follow insignificant, often forgotten, trauma and may develop slowly and progress. Our patient presented with a complaint of headache three days after forceful chiropractic manipulation, but denied any history of trauma. Computed tomography confirmed the presence of a subdural hematoma and a temporal bone fracture and the patient underwent successful surgical treatment. Our experience identifies a previously unreported mechanism of injury in patients with subdural hematoma presenting to the emergency department with a complaint of headache.