Commentary: neurotoxicity of local anesthetics--an issue or a scapegoat?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the etiologies of cauda equina syndrome (CES) and transient radicular irritation (TRI) or transient neurologic symptoms (TNSs) following hyperbaric spinal anesthesia.


METHODS
A review of recent (since 1991) and prior (since 1941) investigations regarding CES and TRI (TNSs) was conducted.


RESULTS
Recent publications fail to recognize significant prior information regarding CES and TRI (TNSs).


CONCLUSIONS
Cauda equina syndrome is, in all probability, explainable. Further investigation to pinpoint the etiology of TRI (TNSs) is needed.
Moore
D C
DC
Department of Anesthesiology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington 98111-0900, USA.
Thompson
G E
GE
D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002420:Cauda Equina / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000139:chemically induced; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000139:chemically induced; D011312:Pressure; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000139:chemically induced; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000187:drug effects*; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D013127:Spinal Nerves / Q000187:drug effects*
D000779:Anesthetics, Local