Open AccessNeurological complications in obstetric regional anesthetic practice
Author(s) -
Alastair Duncan,
Santosh Patel
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of obstetric anaesthesia and critical care/journal of obstetric anaesthesia and critial care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2249-9539
pISSN - 2249-4472
DOI - 10.4103/2249-4472.181055
Subject(s) - medicine , neurological deficit , obstetrics and gynaecology , neuraxial blockade , obstetric anesthesia , regional anesthesia , pregnancy , anesthesia , intensive care medicine , spinal anesthesia , biology , genetics
Each year in the United Kingdom, nearly one-third of women giving birth will receive a central neuraxial block (CNB). The majority of postpartum neurological complications are secondary to intrinsic obstetric palsies. Despite this, neurological injury can occur following obstetric regional anesthesia. Any postpartum neurological deficit identified by the patient, anesthetist, midwife, or obstetrician should be investigated thoroughly. Prompt recognition and appropriate management of neurological complications is of the utmost importance in reducing the risk of permanent impairment. Anesthetists must recognize and coordinate the appropriate initial management for the complications associated with CNB in order to prevent permanent neurological damage