Background and Objectives. A report of prolonged neurologic dysfunction following continuous lumbar epidural anesthesia in seven obstetric patients during a 12-month period.

Methods. Details were obtained postpartum and after hospital discharge by verbal contact.

Results. All of the patients experienced varying degrees of hyperesthesia to touch, limited to one or two adjacent dermatomes, unilaterally distributed to the same side as the paresthesia that occurred during the placement of the epidural catheter.

Conclusion. Epidural catheter stiffness and tip construction may be the most critical features in causing neurotrauma.