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Paraplegia associated with epidural anesthesia.

J Adriani, M Naragi

Southern Medical Journal

|November 1, 1986

Summary

Spinal and epidural anesthesia carry similar risks of paraplegia, contrary to popular belief. Both anesthetic techniques can lead to arachnoiditis, a cause of paralysis, with epidural blocks also linked to cord compression and anterior spinal artery syndrome.

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Area of Science:

Anesthesiology
Neurology
Neurosurgery

Background:

Spinal anesthesia's popularity has declined due to paraplegia lawsuits.
Epidural anesthesia is perceived as safer, but this may be a misconception.

Observation:

Paraplegia occurs with similar frequency after both spinal and epidural anesthesia.
Arachnoiditis is a common factor in paraplegia following spinal anesthesia.
Arachnoiditis also causes paraplegia after epidural block.

Findings:

Epidural anesthesia is associated with additional risks like cord compression and anterior spinal artery syndrome.
These additional risks are not typically seen with spinal anesthesia.

Implications:

Patient and physician education on the true risks of both anesthetic techniques is crucial.
Further research into mitigating paraplegia risk in neuraxial anesthesia is warranted.
Clinical practice guidelines may need revision based on these findings.

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