Question

What are the complications of spinal anesthesia?

1) How to decrease the risk of spinal neurologic damage
2) What is the incidence of spinal induced hypotension
3) What is the treatment of spinal hypotension

Answer 1

Spinal anesthesia complications include spinal neurologic damage and spinal-induced hypotension. To decrease the risk of neurologic damage, proper insertion site, needle size, and placement should be ensured. Spinal hypotension can be treated with intravenous fluids and vasopressor medications.

Step-by-step explanation:

Spinal anesthesia, while generally safe, can be associated with certain complications. These include:

1. Spinal neurologic damage: Although rare, damage to the spinal cord or nerves can occur during the administration of spinal anesthesia. To decrease the risk, it is important to carefully select the insertion site, use a proper-sized needle, and ensure proper needle placement into the subarachnoid space.
2. Spinal-induced hypotension: Spinal anesthesia can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to hypotension. The incidence of spinal-induced hypotension varies depending on factors such as the type and dose of anesthesia, patient position, and fluid management.
3. Treatment of spinal hypotension: The treatment of spinal-induced hypotension usually involves giving intravenous fluids and vasopressor medications like ephedrine or phenylephrine to raise blood pressure.