Publication
Title
Anaesthetic considerations for patients with a pre-existing neurological deficit : are neuraxial techniques safe?
Author
Abstract
Pre-existing neurological and muscular disease may be a specific concern for anaesthetists as they need to consider the effect of anaesthesia upon the disease, vice versa, and the interaction of anaesthesia with the medication taken by the patient. Despite a lack of controlled studies, many anaesthetists, being afraid of a claim, will prefer general rather than regional anaesthesia in these patients. Nevertheless regional anaesthesia certainly merits its place because it offers undeniable advantages. A good pre-operative examination is very important while patients should also be informed about peri-operative implications of anaesthesia, surgery and stress. Paraesthesias, epinephrine and high concentrations of local anaesthetics should be avoided in the majority of the diseases. Some diseases may benefit from epidural anaesthesia while for others a spinal technique may be the technique of preference. Special attention should be paid to patients with spinal stenosis despite recent reassuring reports with respect to safety of regional anaesthetic techniques. Anaesthetists should not automatically take all responsibility in case of progressive or new deficit after the procedure.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Acta anaesthesiologica scandinavica. - Copenhagen
Publication
Copenhagen : 2007
ISSN
0001-5172
DOI
10.1111/J.1399-6576.2007.01325.X
Volume/pages
51 :7 (2007) , p. 831-838
ISI
000248042800006
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 24.02.2012
Last edited 07.12.2021
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