title: Postpartum spinal cord, root, plexus and peripheral nerve injuries involving the lower extremities: a practical approach.
abstract: Neurological complications after labor and delivery are most often caused by compressive trauma related to childbirth and rarely related to neuraxial anesthesia/analgesia. However, it is important for anesthesiologists to be able to recognize the common manifestations of these neuropathies in order to distinguish them from more ominous causes of neurologic disease. In this article, we review the anatomy and etiology of postpartum thoracolumbar spinal cord, lumbar nerve roots, plexus, and lower extremity peripheral nerve injuries. We will focus on a practical approach to their diagnosis, management, and treatment. Cases will be used to illustrate diagnosis and management.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; and Division of Neuromuscular Disorders, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Mary Angela
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: O'Neal
authors.forename: Laura Y
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Mohammad Kian
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Salajegheh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000293:injuries*; D008160:Lumbosacral Plexus / Q000293:injuries; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000293:injuries*