Persistent Hiccups After Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Neurology
• Pain Management

Background:

• Cervical epidural steroid injections are used for chronic pain management.
• Hiccups are a rare but documented complication of epidural injections.
• Existing literature includes limited case reports and physiological studies.

Observation:

• A case report details persistent hiccups in a 60-year-old male post-cervical epidural steroid injection.
• The patient experienced chronic pain due to C3-C7 disc protrusion.
• The hiccups occurred as an adverse effect of the cervical epidural analgesia.

Findings:

• Persistent hiccups represent a significant complication after epidural injections.
• The precise mechanism causing hiccups post-epidural injection remains unknown.
• The incidence rate and etiological factors require further investigation.

Implications:

• Anesthesiologists should be aware of hiccups as a potential complication of cervical epidural analgesia.
• This case highlights the need for better reporting and understanding of post-epidural hiccups.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the etiology and incidence of hiccups following epidural procedures.