Subdural block following epidural labor analgesia: A case report

Epidural labor analgesia is a widely accepted technique for adequate pain relief during childbirth. It has gained popularity in recent decades because it ensures good analgesia and comfort for the parturient. This technique sometimes leads to complications such as subdural blocks.

A 25-year-old full-term pregnant woman developed motor weakness and a sensory block to T8 20 minutes after the medication was given, followed by hypotension and sensory block to T2.

The woman developed a subdural block after epidural labor analgesia at the L2-L3 interspace.

Norepinephrine and atropine stabilized her vital signs, while fetal monitoring remained stable.

With treatment, the woman delivered a healthy newborn with an Apgar score of 10. A postpartum computed tomography scan excluded subarachnoid involvement, and the catheter was removed without further complications.

The vital signs, motor block, and pain were closely monitored and provided indications for the early detection of subdural blocks in this case report. The good prognosis of this case and no complications after delivery also suggested an early detection, timely treatment, and well-set management of subdural blocks can minimize the grave outcomes of the subdural blocks.