Exacerbation of Pre-Existing Neurologic Disease after Spinal Anesthesia

Abstract

THE chief dissatisfaction with spinal anesthesia centers about the neurologic complications that are probably indigenous to the method. In an attempt to clarify this problem we undertook a long-term study of this technic.¹ The results were encouraging. In 89 per cent of 10,098 spinal anesthetics followed for six months to five years, there was no case of severe progressive neurologic disease. The major share of the lesser sequelae were related to lumbar puncture² and are largely preventable by a careful technic. Certain minor neurologic defects were noted; none were progressive, and none of any consequence.³ These, too, it is believed, . . .