Intrathecal injection: unusual complication of trigger-point injection therapy.
Trigger-point injection therapy is a common procedure in primary care medicine and emergency medicine and is generally considered safe. A 28-year-old woman experienced respiratory depression and hemiplegia after the injection of a superficial trapezius trigger point. The patient required emergency tracheal intubation for ventilatory support. Computed tomography of her head revealed pneumocephalus. She recovered fully over the course of 24 hours. Intrathecal injection during a trigger-point injection is a previously unreported complication of trigger-point injection therapy.
New York University Medical Center/Bellevue Hospital Center, NY, USA. lnelson@pol.net
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Nelson
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Hoffman
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D007278:Injections, Spinal / Q000009:adverse effects; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011007:Pneumocephalus / Q000209:etiology*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced; D013575:Syncope / Q000139:chemically induced
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D008012:Lidocaine; D008775:Methylprednisolone