Abstract
Although cervical epidural steroid injection with local anaesthetic is considered a safe technique and widely practiced, complications may occur. We report a patient experiencing unexpected delayed high block, moderate hypotension and unconsciousness eight to ten minutes after an apparently normal cervical epidural steroid injection. The most probable diagnosis was a subdural block. Anatomical peculiarities of the epidural and subdural space in the cervical region increase the risk of subdural spread during cervical epidural injection. Fluoroscopic guidance is important during cervical epidural injection to increase certainty of correct needle placement, thus minimizing the risk of complications.
MeSH terms
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Analgesia, Epidural / adverse effects*
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Analgesia, Epidural / methods
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Anesthesia, Local*
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Anesthetics, Local / administration & dosage
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects
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Bupivacaine / administration & dosage
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Hemodynamics / drug effects
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Humans
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Male
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Medical Errors / adverse effects*
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Middle Aged
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Muscle Weakness / chemically induced
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Nerve Block
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Respiration / drug effects
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Spinal Osteophytosis / drug therapy
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Steroids / administration & dosage
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Steroids / adverse effects*
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Subdural Space / drug effects
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Triamcinolone Acetonide / administration & dosage
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Triamcinolone Acetonide / adverse effects
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Unconsciousness / chemically induced
Substances
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Anesthetics, Local
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents
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Steroids
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Triamcinolone Acetonide
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Bupivacaine