title: Temporary neurologic deficit after cervical transforaminal injection of local anesthetic.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the effects of spinal cord block after injection of local anesthetic into a cervical radicular artery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case report.
  
  
  METHODS
  Neurology practice specializing in spinal pain. Interventions. A patient underwent a C6-7 transforaminal injection. Contrast medium indicated correct and safe placement of the needle.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After the injection of local anesthetic, the patient developed quadriplegia. The injection was terminated. The neurologic impairment resolved after 20 minutes observation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite correct placement of the needle for a cervical transforaminal injection, injectate may nevertheless enter a cervical radicular artery. Whereas local anesthetic, so injected, appears to have only a temporary effect on spinal cord function, particulate steroids may act as an embolus and cause permanent impairment.
authors.affiliation: Northwest Spine Group, Eugene, Oregon, USA.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Karasek
authors.forename: Nikolai
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bogduk
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007268:Injections, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000209:etiology*; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000150:complications
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D008012:Lidocaine