Transient aphasia following spinal anaesthesia in an orthopaedic patient

Authors

  • Bindra Tripat Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences & Research
  • Gupta Ruchi Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences & Research
  • Thukral Sonika Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences & Research

Keywords:

subarachnoid block, local anaesthetic, orthopedic surgery, aphasia, subdural space.

Abstract

A 50-year-old male [American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade II] was scheduled for lower limb orthopaedic surgery. The subarachnoid space was localised with difficulty at L3/4 interspace and 3 ml of hyperbaric bupivacaine was given. Within a few minutes, the patient developed aphasia with a very high sensory block extending to C2 dermatome, followed by apnoea. The patient remained haemodynamically stable throughout surgery and respiration resumed within five minutes. Inadvertent subdural deposition of local anaesthetic was speculated to be the cause of this unusual presentation.

Author Biographies

Bindra Tripat, Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences & Research

MD Assistant Professor Department of Anaesthesia & Critical Care Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Amritsar

Gupta Ruchi, Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences & Research

MD, DNB Professor & Head Department of Anaesthesia & Critical Care Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Amritsar

Thukral Sonika, Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences & Research

MD Assistant Professor Department of Anaesthesia & Critical Care Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Amritsar

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Published

2012-07-23

Issue

Section

Case Studies