A case of transient hemiplegia after cervical transforaminal epidural injection with dexamethasone: What actually happened?

Abstract

Cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TESIs) have technical difficulties and a risk of complications due to the cervical spine anatomy. A 52-year-old female patient was admitted to our outpatient clinic with complaint of neuropathic pain radiating to her right arm. Right C7 TESI was planned for patient who did not respond to conservative treatment. Immediately after the procedure, flaccid paralysis was detected in the right side and, at the end of 24 h, the patient completely regained her former muscle strength. In conclusion, patient selection for the cervical TESI should be done carefully and kept in mind that transient spinal cord ischemia may develop.