BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although rare, spinal anesthesia-induced neurological complications may determine serious sequelae. This study aimed at presenting these complications in order to elucidate triggering factors and help in the diagnosis of such injuries. CONTENTS: The following complications are presented: needle and catheter-induced nerve injury, post dural puncture headache, anterior spinal artery syndrome, spinal hematoma, septic meningitis, aseptic meningitis, adhesive arachnoiditis, cauda equina syndrome, and transient neurological symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The understanding of triggering factors of spinal anesthesia-induced neurological complications may prevent injuries and help early diagnosis and treatment, therefore changing patients prognosis.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although rare, spinal anesthesia-induced neurological complications may determine serious sequelae. This study aimed at presenting these complications in order to elucidate triggering factors and help in the diagnosis of such injuries. CONTENTS: The following complications are presented: needle and catheter-induced nerve injury, post dural puncture headache, anterior spinal artery syndrome, spinal hematoma, septic meningitis, aseptic meningitis, adhesive arachnoiditis, cauda equina syndrome, and transient neurological symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The understanding of triggering factors of spinal anesthesia-induced neurological complications may prevent injuries and help early diagnosis and treatment, therefore changing patients prognosis.