Bilateral Sciatic Neuropathies as a Complication of Positioning During Neuraxial Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery: A Case Report

A A Pract. 2019 Sep 1;13(5):173-175. doi: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000001026.

Abstract

Neurologic complications following neuraxial anesthesia for cesarean delivery are rare. We present a 33-year-old parturient who developed prolonged lower extremity weakness following a single-shot subarachnoid block for cesarean delivery. After neurologic evaluation, she was diagnosed with bilateral sciatic neuropathies due to prolonged positioning for the anesthetic. We review the incidence of nerve injury associated with neuraxial anesthesia and risk factors for developing peripheral nerve injury in this context. We offer a solution to prevent this complication from occurring.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anesthesia, Obstetrical / adverse effects
  • Cesarean Section
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Nerve Block / adverse effects*
  • Pregnancy
  • Sciatic Nerve / injuries*
  • Sciatic Neuropathy / etiology*