Emergent Meningoencephalitis Following Spinal Anesthesia: A Case Report
Yara Mouawad1, Mahmoud El-Hussein2, Joelle Kalaji1
1Lebanese American University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
Case Reports in Infectious Diseases
|June 17, 2025
Summary
Iatrogenic meningitis, a rare complication of spinal anesthesia, can be prevented by strict aseptic techniques. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in patients with bacterial meningitis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Iatrogenic meningitis is a rare but serious complication following invasive spinal procedures.
- Viridans streptococci are the most common causative agents, with outcomes depending on pathogen virulence.
- Prompt treatment is essential to prevent severe neurologic damage or death.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
821
Spinal anesthetics are given during lower abdomen and limb surgeries to block sensory and motor neurons. They are administered in the mid to low lumbar regions, primarily acting on the cauda equina's nerve roots. The blockade level depends on the local anesthetic (LA) concentration. Usually, low LA concentrations are sufficient to block sensory fibers, while only high LA concentrations block motor fibers. Other factors like injection volume and speed, the patient's posture, and the drug...
821
01:29Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
509
Epidural anesthetics are administered in the fat-filled epidural space, the outermost part of the spinal canal. This technique is commonly employed for pain management and anesthesia during lower abdomen and pelvis surgeries or labor and delivery.
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
509