Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

In Vivo Mouse Model of Spinal Implant Infection
08:03

In Vivo Mouse Model of Spinal Implant Infection

Published on: June 23, 2020

Neurological infections after neuraxial anesthesia

Felicity Reynolds1

  • 1Department of Anaesthetics, St Thomas's Hospital, London, UK. felicity.reynolds@btinternet.com

Anesthesiology Clinics
|March 6, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Infections following neuraxial anesthesia, like meningitis and epidural abscess, are serious neurologic complications. Strict aseptic techniques and avoiding prolonged catheterization are key preventive measures.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Anesthesiology

Background:

  • Infection represents the most frequent cause of severe neurological complications after neuraxial anesthesia.
  • The occurrence of these infections is influenced by the expertise of the practitioner and patient demographics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the common causes, risk factors, and preventive strategies for infectious complications associated with neuraxial anesthesia.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on meningitis and epidural abscess following neuraxial anesthesia.
  • Analysis of risk factors including operator technique, patient conditions, and procedural elements.
  • Identification of established and recommended preventive measures.

Main Results:

  • Meningitis, often caused by viridans streptococci, is linked to dural puncture during labor, inadequate aseptic technique, and concurrent infections.
  • Epidural abscesses, typically caused by Staphylococcus, arise from catheterization, with prolonged use, poor asepsis, and traumatic insertion as primary risks.
  • Preventive strategies encompass mask usage, rigorous sterile techniques, limiting catheter duration, and judicious antibiotic use in high-risk cases.

Conclusions:

  • Implementing strict aseptic protocols and optimizing neuraxial anesthesia procedures can significantly reduce the incidence of serious infectious complications.
  • Adherence to guidelines for catheter management and operator technique is crucial for patient safety.

Related Concept Videos

Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects01:12

Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects

While local anesthetics are generally safe and well-tolerated, they can occasionally cause adverse effects that vary in severity. Local anesthetics can induce toxicity at two distinct levels. They can either produce local effects through direct contact with the neural elements or be absorbed into the bloodstream from the injection site, leading to systemic effects.
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia01:11

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia

Spinal anesthetics are given during lower abdomen and limb surgeries to block sensory and motor neurons. They are administered in the mid to low lumbar regions, primarily acting on the cauda equina's nerve roots. The blockade level depends on the local anesthetic (LA) concentration. Usually, low LA concentrations are sufficient to block sensory fibers, while only high LA concentrations block motor fibers. Other factors like injection volume and speed, the patient's posture, and the drug...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management01:22

Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management

Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Botulism01:22

Botulism

Botulism is a life-threatening neuroparalytic condition caused by botulinum neurotoxin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, a Gram-positive, spore-forming, obligate anaerobe.In adults, the toxin enters the body in different ways: in foodborne botulism, the preformed toxin is absorbed in the intestine. In wound botulism, spores grow in injured tissue and release the toxin into the blood. Infant botulism differs mechanistically from adult forms. In infants, botulism commonly...