Laryngospasm during subarachnoid block

Abstract

Central neuraxial block is associated with increased vagal tone. We report a patient who developed laryngospasm and stridor under spinal anaesthesia. This was treated successfully with i.v. atropine and fluids. We propose that the laryngospasm was secondary to increased vagal tone under the spinal anaesthetic. Such a manifestation of increased vagal tone under spinal anaesthesia has not been reported previously. © The Board of Management and Trustees of the British Journal of Anaesthesia 2005. All rights reserved.