Transient anesthetic-induced worsening of existing left-sided weakness in a patient undergoing elective anterior cervical discectomy

J Clin Anesth. 2009 Mar;21(2):131-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2008.06.034.

Abstract

The differential diagnosis of new or worsening focal neurologic deficits on emergence from anesthesia is broad. Cerebral ischemia or hemorrhage, focal seizures, and acute metabolic abnormalities can all result in similar neurologic findings. Intravenously administered anesthetic agents also have been reported to cause new or worsening focal neurologic deficits in patients with a history of preexisting deficits. A patient who suffered such a reversible deficit related to anesthesia is presented.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anesthesia, Intravenous / adverse effects*
  • Anesthetics, Intravenous / adverse effects*
  • Diskectomy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Complications / chemically induced*
  • Intraoperative Complications / physiopathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Weakness / chemically induced*
  • Muscle Weakness / physiopathology
  • Spinal Fusion

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Intravenous