title: Epidural and spinal anaesthesia and the use of anticoagulants.
abstract: Neurological injuries after epidural/spinal analgesia are a serious but uncommon problem. Spinal haematoma cause a proportion of these complications, and can be minimized by avoiding central nervous blockade in high-risk patients, especially those receiving anticoagulant therapy. Early recognition of spinal haematoma by basic neurological monitoring allows early intervention and improves outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthetics, Middlesex Hospital, London.
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Armstrong
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Addy
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Breivik
mesh_terms: D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006407:Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D013116:Spinal Cord; D013345:Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013346:Subarachnoid Space
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin