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Dysphonia associated with epidural steroid injection: a case report
Curtis W Slipman1, David W Chow, David A Lenrow
1Penn Spine Center Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|September 18, 2002
Summary
A patient experienced voice changes and throat irritation after an epidural steroid injection. Symptoms resolved within 15 days, suggesting a possible systemic steroid effect on vocal cords.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pain Medicine
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Epidural steroid injections are common procedures for managing low back pain.
- Potential side effects of epidural steroid injections are typically localized, but systemic effects can occur.
Observation:
- A 46-year-old patient developed dysphonia and throat irritation 24 hours post-epidural steroid injection.
- Laryngoscopy revealed vocal cord edema and mucous buildup after a second injection, correlating with symptom recurrence.
Findings:
- Vocal cord edema and mucous accumulation were observed in a patient experiencing dysphonia after epidural steroid injection.
- Symptoms resolved completely within 15 days, indicating a transient effect.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential systemic effect of epidural steroids on the vocal cords, leading to transient dysphonia.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism and prevalence of this adverse effect.