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Transient neurological symptoms after spinal anesthesia
Pedro Paulo Tanaka1, Maria Aparecida Almeida Tanaka
1CET/SBA do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná, PR. tanaka@bsi.com.br
Revista Brasileira De Anestesiologia
|May 28, 2009
Summary
Transient neurological symptoms after spinal anesthesia are rare and do not warrant avoiding this safe procedure or lidocaine. This review covers their history, causes, and management.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Transient neurological symptoms (TNS) can occur after spinal anesthesia.
- These symptoms are typically noted after recovery from a total spinal block.
- This review examines the existing literature on TNS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the phenomenon of transient neurological symptoms following spinal anesthesia.
- To consolidate information on the history, incidence, etiology, risk factors, and treatment of TNS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of transient neurological symptoms after spinal anesthesia.
- Analysis of reported cases and existing studies on TNS.
Main Results:
- Spinal anesthesia is generally a very safe procedure.
- The incidence of transient neurological symptoms is low.
- The occurrence of TNS does not necessitate discontinuing spinal anesthesia or lidocaine use.
Conclusions:
- Spinal anesthesia remains a safe and effective anesthetic technique.
- Transient neurological symptoms are an uncommon complication.
- The benefits of spinal anesthesia outweigh the risks associated with TNS.
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