AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 1993 Mar-Apr; 14(2): 365-6.

Spinal epidural hematoma with subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by acupuncture.

Keane JR, Ahmadi J, Gruen P.

Department of Neurology, Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center.

Unintentional acupuncture needling of the thoracic spinal canal produced a spinal epidural hematoma and subarachnoid hemorrhage. This case demonstrates that patients are sometimes reluctant to disclose folk medical treatments to Western physicians, and the proper diagnosis may depend upon the prowess of the neuroradiologist.