Emergency surgical intervention for bulbar-cervical spinal cord hemorrhage: a case report and review of management strategies.

ABSTRACT:

Background and importance

Spinal cord hemorrhage (SCH), particularly involving the bulbar-cervical segment (medulla oblongata to C7), is a rare and life-threatening neurological emergency. Due to its anatomical proximity to respiratory, motor, and sensory centers, it often leads to catastrophic neurological deficits. Etiologies include vascular malformations, coagulopathy, or idiopathic causes, yet its low incidence (<1%) poses significant challenges in early diagnosis and management. Current evidence highlights emergency hematoma evacuation, adequate decompression, and spinal stabilization as critical for improving prognosis, though clinical validation through case-based data remains limited.

Case presentation

A 28-year-old male presented with acute dyspnea, limb numbness,

SUBMITTER: He C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12391002 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature