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Usefulness of posturography after epidural block
Hideo Akabane1, Yoichi Shimada, Ryo Ogawa
1Department of Anesthesiology, Nippon Medical School Second Hospital, 1-396 Kosugi-cho, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki 211-8533, Japan. namorado11@yahoo.co.jp
Summary
Lumbar epidural blocks significantly impair postural stability, even when patients appear stable. Objective assessment using computerized posturography is crucial for safe patient discharge after nerve blocks.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Post-nerve block patient observation is vital for safe discharge.
- Lumbar epidural blocks significantly impact ambulation and postural stability.
- Objective evaluation methods for postural stability are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of lumbar epidural block on postural stability.
- To assess the duration of these effects using objective measurements.
- To determine the utility of computerized posturography for evaluating discharge readiness.
Main Methods:
- Administered 5 ml of 1% lidocaine for lumbar epidural block.
- Utilized computerized posturography to assess postural stability.
- Measured equilibrium at baseline and 30, 60, and 90 minutes post-block.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in locus length per unit area (eyes open and closed) were observed 30 minutes post-block.
- A significant increase in sway area (eyes open) was noted 30 minutes post-block.
- These objective measures indicated persistent postural instability.
Conclusions:
- Lumbar epidural blocks cause significant, measurable postural instability.
- Postural stability may remain impaired even when patients appear stable.
- Computerized posturography, particularly locus length per unit area, is valuable for assessing readiness for early discharge.