“Can a nerve block cause a blood clot?”
I am a 25 year old female. I wonder if a nerve block can cause a blood clot?
8 Answers
AnesthesiologistAnesthesiologist
By itself, no a nerve block cannot cause a blood clot. Where a nerve block might contribute to the development of a blood clot is the nerve block renders the patient immobile until the block wears off and this immobility along with other factors that increase your risk to form clots might contribute, but not be solely responsible for blood clot formation.
No.
Nerve blocks are done in peripheral areas and can cause compression of veins so they can cause a clot. But, being peripheral areas, the clots are small and inconsequential.
No, a nerve block does not cause a blood clot to form. Rarely, bleeding can occur if a blood vessel is unintentionally injured.
I have not heard of such a complication. It must be an unusual situation for the blood clot to develop spontaneously. If the needle causes injury to the nearby blood vessel, the leaked blood can cause a clot.
Not a noticeable one.
From Christopher Creighton
From Christopher Creighton
Any needle placement under the skin can cause a hematoma, or blood clot.
In 40 years, I haven't see one. Blood clots are not dependent on the type of anesthesia. Risk exists for any surgery.
