Neurologic complications of anesthesia

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Neurology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Neurologic complications following anesthesia, while uncommon, can lead to significant patient morbidity.
• General anesthesia and regional blockade present distinct sets of potential neurologic adverse events.
• Patients with pre-existing neurological disorders require specialized anesthetic considerations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the spectrum of neurologic complications associated with general and regional anesthesia.
• To highlight specific risks in patients with brain masses or primary neurologic conditions.
• To discuss complications arising from anesthetic use in the neurointensive care unit.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of neurologic complications post-anesthesia.
• Analysis of common and severe adverse events associated with different anesthesia modalities.
• Examination of anesthetic management in neurocritical care settings.

Main Results:

• General anesthesia risks include intracranial hypertension, delayed arousal, delirium, and cognitive dysfunction.
• Regional blockade most frequently causes neuropathy and transient leg/gluteal pain.
• Seizures are infrequent with both methods; propofol infusion syndrome is a critical risk in neuroICU settings.

Conclusions:

• Anesthesia carries potential neurologic risks that necessitate careful planning, particularly in vulnerable patient populations.
• Management strategies must be tailored to the type of anesthesia and the patient's underlying neurologic status.
• Awareness of neurointensive care-specific complications, such as propofol infusion syndrome, is vital for patient safety.