Epidural and spinal anaesthesia and the use of anticoagulants.
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.
Armstrong
R F
RF
Department of Anaesthetics, Middlesex Hospital, London.
Addy
V
V
Breivik
H
H
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
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin