High spinal block following an inadequate continuous spinal anaesthetic.
A patient is presented who obtained only an L1 sensory block, which was inadequate for her procedure, from continuous spinal anaesthesia despite appropriate doses of 0.5% plain bupivacaine. She then developed a high spinal block after an epidural was sited and a test dose given in the sitting position. The possible mechanisms for this are discussed.
Department of Anaesthesia, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
M G
MG
Serpell
D000368:Aged; D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal / Q000009:adverse effects; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D002045:Bupivacaine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D002045:Bupivacaine