Central neurological complications following obstetric neuraxial blockade

Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology
Claudia von PeltzVinod Patil

Abstract

Central neuraxial blockade is increasingly the anaesthetic management of choice for parturients, including in higher risk pregnancies. Although they are usually effective and safe, there are potentially devastating neurological complications that may present either overtly or insidiously. A thorough understanding of the variety of potential neurological complications is essential to adequately consent patients in addition to diagnosing and managing complications following neuraxial anaesthesia. This review aims to describe a number of potential neurological injuries that may occur and suggested management based on available evidence. Current evidence supports neuraxial anaesthesia as a safe management strategy in low and many higher risk pregnancies, with a low overall incidence of neurological complications. Neuraxial blockade is safe in patients with platelet counts greater than 70 000/μl and the risk of infective complications secondary to epidural catheterization remains low until day five post procedure. There is also some early evidence supporting the use of transnasal local anaesthetic as a strategy for managing postdural puncture headache. Difficulty remains in establishing absolute risk of complications and optimal man...Continue Reading

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