Apnea and seizures following retrobulbar local anesthetic injection

J Clin Anesth. 2003 Jun;15(4):267-70. doi: 10.1016/s0952-8180(03)00025-4.

Abstract

Surgery on the eye is performed using topical anesthesia, retrobulbar anesthesia, peribulbar anesthesia, and general anesthesia. Retrobulbar anesthesia is associated with a number of complications that include apnea (respiratory arrest), seizures, or both. Although these complications are transient and self-limiting, they can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated early. We report two patients who developed apnea, one of whom had cardiorespiratory arrest; and two other patients who presented with seizures. We provided ventilation with 100% oxygen, treated the hypertension with nicardipine, and the tachycardia with esmolol. The patients did not have any residual complications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anesthetics, Local / administration & dosage
  • Anesthetics, Local / adverse effects*
  • Apnea / chemically induced*
  • Apnea / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures
  • Seizures / chemically induced*
  • Seizures / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Local