hemorrhage into the tissue of the spinal cord.

Hematomyelia may occur at any age and is found most frequently in men. The causes of hematomyelia may include closed injuries to the spinal column and spinal cord (for example, from falling on the back, legs, or head from a height), excessive muscular strain (as from lifting weights), injury by electric current, and serious infections. Hemophilia of any etiology, such as hemorrhagic diathesis, is among the factors which predispose to hematomyelia. Hematomyelia occurs most frequently in the gray matter of the central canal and posterior cornua of the spinal cord, usually at the cervical or lumbar levels, where the dense network of capillaries is especially well developed. Hematomyelia is manifested by bilateral or unilateral paralysis of the extremities, reduction in sensitivity to pain and temperature in one or both halves of the body, and sometimes by retention of urine and stools. Muscular atrophy and autonomic disorders (such as increase or decrease in perspiration) are often observed. Treatment involves rest, hemostatics, iodine preparations, physical therapy, massage, and baths.