Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Transient paralysis associated with epidural steroid injection

R F McLain1, M Fry, S T Hecht

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195, USA.

Journal of Spinal Disorders
|November 14, 1997
PubMed
Summary

A rare case of transient paralysis occurred after epidural steroid injection without fluoroscopic guidance. This complication, potentially caused by thecal sac puncture, highlights the risks of epidural steroid therapy.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

A unified call to action from Australian nursing and midwifery leaders: ensuring that Black lives matter.

Contemporary nurse·2020
Same author

Ambiguity hindering self-management and prevention of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.

Archives of osteoporosis·2020
Same author

Topical anaesthesia and intravenous cannulation success in paediatric patients: a randomized double-blind trial.

British journal of anaesthesia·2008
Same author

Safety and efficacy of transluminal balloon angioplasty in the prevention of vasospasm in patients with Fisher Grade 3 subarachnoid hemorrhage: a pilot study.

Neurosurgical focus·2006
Same author

The influence of pedicle screw placement on thoracic trabecular strain.

Spinal cord·2005
Same author

Characteristics of pullout failure in conical and cylindrical pedicle screws after full insertion and back-out.

The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society·2003

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pain Management
  • Spinal Procedures

Background:

  • Epidural steroid therapy is a common conservative treatment for spinal conditions.
  • While generally safe, potential complications like infection and meningitis are known.
  • Acute paraplegia has not been previously reported as a complication of epidural steroid injections.

Observation:

  • A unique case of profound, transient paralysis following epidural steroid injection is presented.
  • The procedure lacked fluoroscopic control and resulted in a thecal sac puncture.
  • Radiographic studies revealed a temporary, space-occupying lesion in the spinal canal.

Findings:

  • The patient experienced acute paraplegia, which resolved spontaneously within hours.
  • Recovery of motor, sensory, and autonomic functions occurred over 48 hours.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Possible causes include atypical anesthetic block, fluid loculation, or iatrogenic arachnoid cyst formation.

    • Implications:

    • Physicians should be aware of the potential for severe complications with epidural steroid therapy.
    • This case underscores the importance of careful technique and possibly fluoroscopic guidance during epidural injections.
    • The findings suggest that even "conservative" therapies carry risks that warrant careful consideration and patient counseling.