Dysphagia following intrathecal local anesthetic-opioid administration

We describe the case of a parturient who developed dysphagia shortly after the intrathecal injection of a local anesthetic-opioid combination for cesarean section. Dysphagia was the only symptom of cephalad spread of the spinal anesthetic, and it was not associated with a "high" motor or sensory block. Although it resolved spontaneously, the dysphagia was extremely distressing to the patient. We conclude that dysphagia, even in the absence of an overtly "high spinal," should be added to the possible side effects of intrathecal local anesthetic-opioid administration in parturients.