Subdural block--from a spinal? A case report
Chan, S.Y.; Ong, E.L.
Annals of the Academy of Medicine Singapore 31(4): 525-527
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0304-4602 PMID: 12161892 Document Number: 544364
Multicompartmental blocks are commonly described in epidurals but not spinals. We describe a case of subarachnoid block performed in an obese patient which resulted in a clinical presentation resembling that of a subdural block. A 29-year-old woman, scheduled for saucerisation of thigh carbuncle, was administered 2.1 mL of hyperbaric bupivacaine. The spinal resulted in a late onset of sensory block that extended to the neck and upper limbs. There was no sympathetic or motor blockade. The block receded spontaneously without causing any cardiovascular or respiratory compromise. The diagnosis of subdural block must be considered in patients with unusual presentations after a spinal anaesthetic. Factors affecting spread of hyperbaric bupivacaine are also highlighted.