Neurologic Complications of Neuraxial Anesthesia

Abstract

Neuraxial anesthesia has significantly enhanced the experience of childbirth, revolutionized the management of labor pain, and decreased maternal morbidity and mortality. Nonetheless, a wide range of neurologic issues can arise secondary to neuraxial anesthesia as well as the birth process. Some of the most common neurologic complaints to come to the attention of anesthesiologists include headaches and peripheral nerve injuries. Minor complications are problematic to patients who are otherwise healthy and for whom uninterrupted time with newborns is valued. Even though anesthetic procedures may result in neurologic sequelae, these are much less frequent than those caused by birth trauma. © 2013 .