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Transient neurologic syndrome: a benign but confusing clinical problem.
Michael E Harned1, Jeremy Dority, Kevin W Hatton
1Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, 40536, USA. meharn2@email.uky.edu
Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal
|August 13, 2011
Summary
Transient neurologic syndrome is a common, benign condition causing temporary back, hip, and leg pain after spinal anesthesia. This self-resolving syndrome requires conservative treatment and typically resolves within days.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Spinal anesthesia is a common anesthetic for outpatient surgeries.
- Post-spinal anesthesia pain, without neurological deficit, can mimic serious conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe transient neurologic syndrome (TNS) following spinal anesthesia.
- To highlight TNS as a diagnosis of exclusion after ruling out complications.
Main Methods:
- Case review of patients presenting with post-spinal anesthesia pain.
- Diagnostic workup to exclude spinal hematoma, infection, or nerve injury.
Main Results:
- Patients diagnosed with TNS experienced moderate-to-severe back, hip, and leg pain.
- Extensive workup was negative for serious spinal complications.
- Symptoms resolved spontaneously within days with conservative management.
Conclusions:
- Transient neurologic syndrome is a benign, self-limited condition.
- It necessitates conservative therapy and reassurance.
- Early diagnosis avoids unnecessary invasive procedures.
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