title: Regional anesthesia in patients with pre-existing neurologic disease.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Regional anesthesia is controversial in patients with pre-existing neurologic disease. This study reviews the published evidence regarding the utilization and outcomes of regional anesthetics in this population.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although publications are sparse, neuraxial and peripheral regional techniques have been successfully described in patients with spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre disease, neurofibromatosis, diseases of the neuromuscular junction, and Charcot-Marie Tooth disease without neurologic complications. Ultrasound guidance may aid in reduction in local anesthetic dose, anatomical evaluation and avoidance of needle trauma.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Regional anesthesia can be safely utilized in patients with pre-existing neurological disease and may have benefits over general anesthesia; however, a conservative approach is warranted. In addition, further publications regarding regional techniques in this population are needed.
authors: Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
authors: Julie R
authors: JR
authors: McSwain
authors: J Wesley
authors: JW
authors: Doty
authors: Sylvia H
authors: SH
authors: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000765:Anesthesia, Conduction / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000379:methods