title: Side effects and complications of cervical epidural steroid injections.
abstract: Two hundred and four cervical epidural injections of corticosteroids were performed on 142 patients for the treatment of cervical pain over a 1-yr period. Injections were performed at the C7-T1 interspace with 10-15 mL of 0.5% lidocaine containing 1 mg per kg of methylprednisone acetate. Four complications occurred: two dural punctures without sequelae; one episode of upper extremity weakness, which resolved in 24 hr; and one episode of nausea and vomiting lasting 12 hr. In addition, two side effects were frequently reported: stiff neck lasting 12-24 hr occurred in 13.2% of patients, and a mild facial flushing with subjective (but not objective) fever lasting about 12 hr occurred in 9.3% of patients. In this large series, the procedure appears safe to use in an outpatient setting.
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Cicala
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Westbrook
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Angel
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D005483:Flushing / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007268:Injections, Epidural / Q000379:methods*; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000187:drug effects; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones