Regional Anesthesia in Patients With Preexisting Neurologic Disease

Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2015 Sep-Oct;40(5):467-78. doi: 10.1097/AAP.0000000000000179.

Abstract

Since publication of initial recommendations in 2008, there is limited new information regarding the performance of regional anesthesia in patients with preexisting neurologic diseases. However, the strength of evidence has increased since 2008 regarding (1) the concern that diabetic nerves are more sensitive to local anesthetics and perhaps more susceptible to injury and (2) the concern that performing neuraxial anesthesia and analgesia in patients with preexisting spinal canal pathology may increase the risk of new or worsening neurologic symptoms. This increased evidence reinforces our initial recommendations. In addition, since the initial recommendations in 2008, the concept of postsurgical inflammatory neuropathy has been described and is potentially a contributor to postoperative neurologic dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anesthesia, Conduction / adverse effects*
  • Anesthesia, Conduction / standards
  • Diabetic Neuropathies / complications
  • Diabetic Neuropathies / diagnosis
  • Diabetic Neuropathies / surgery
  • Humans
  • Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Nervous System Diseases / etiology
  • Nervous System Diseases / prevention & control
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control