“Can spinal anesthesia cause paralysis?”
I am a 38 year old female. I heard from my friend that spinal anesthesia can cause paralysis. Is that true?
5 Answers
AnesthesiologistAnesthesia
I have not seen one or read about one but theoretically anything can happen.
Yes. TPN and other nerve paralysis have been described. They are rare, but could happen.
I am going to assume you are a healthy young woman without a history of neuropathy, myelitis and a radiculopathy. If so the risk of becoming paralyzed with a “spinal” , meaning an anesthetic introduced into the fluid that surrounds your spinal cord is extremely rare and highly unusual. Talk with your anesthesiologist, share an honest history with him/her about your past medical concerns and your concerns about spinal anesthesia.
The answer is yes, but the chances of having a complete paralysis is one in millions. However, partial numbness and weakness is a possibility if by some reason the nerve gets injected directly, but even then the chance is one in thousands. Most spinal anesthetics are very safe and routinely given for C-sections. In fact, they are the standard of care for C-sections.
With friends like that.... While you will not be able to move your legs during active anesthesia (during your surgery) your function will rapidly return afterwards, usually in a few minutes.
From Christopher Creighton
From Christopher Creighton
