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[Brachial plexus paralysis after stellate blockade and plexus anaesthesia (author's transl)]
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|January 13, 1978
Summary
Brachial plexus paralysis can occur after stellate blockade or plexus anesthesia. Avoiding intraneural injections and correcting needle position upon experiencing pain or immediate anesthetic effect are crucial for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Brachial plexus anesthesia and stellate blockade are common procedures.
- Complications can arise, impacting patient safety and outcomes.
Observation:
- Eight patients experienced brachial plexus paralysis following stellate blockade (n=2) and plexus anesthesia (n=6).
- Symptoms included localized motor/sensory deficits and causalgia-like pain.
Findings:
- Mechanical factors like needle trauma, injection pressure, volume, and velocity are key to paralysis.
- Intraneural injections are a significant risk factor and must be avoided.
- Immediate pain or anesthetic effect indicates incorrect needle placement.
Implications:
- Proper needle placement and technique are vital to prevent brachial plexus paralysis.
- Awareness of these risks can improve patient safety during regional anesthesia procedures.
- Further research into optimizing injection techniques may reduce complication rates.