Case of transient paralysis and paresthesia after epidural blood patch
Kinoshita, T.; Takeda, T.; Morishita, J.; Shimada, N.; Yamaki, R.; Komatsu, H.; Chujo, K.
Masui. Japanese Journal of Anesthesiology 58(8): 1039-1041
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-4892 PMID: 19702229 Document Number: 630743
A 47-year-old woman with postdural puncture headache suffered from transient paralysis and paresthesia immediately after the epidural blood patch. After one and a half hour, these symptoms disappeared spontaneously. We suspect that the spinal cord or spinal nerve root was transiently pressed by the viscous blood mass, because blood sampling maneuver took a few minutes. With passing of time, the viscous blood spread through the epidural space, and neurological symptoms improved. Although the risks of epidural blood patch are relatively low, we should closely pay attention to unexpected side effects.