Caitlin Keenan1, Andy Y Wang1, Konstantin Balonov2, James Kryzanski1. 1. Department of Neurosurgery, Tufts Medical Center, Washington, Boston, United States. 2. Department of Anesthesiology, Tufts Medical Center, Washington, Boston, United States.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Spinal anesthesia is being increasingly recognized as a favorable alternative to general anesthesia. However, there are still several considerations for its safe and effective use. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 62-year-old male received spinal anesthesia during an uneventful L3-L5 decompressive laminectomy. However, he subsequently experienced a brief episode of pulseless electrical activity in the post-anesthesia care unit, and was successfully resuscitated without further sequelae. This was attributed to a vasovagal episode, with his notable prior history of experiencing vasovagal syncope with lightheadedness and fainting at the sight of blood. CONCLUSION: Patients with a history of vasovagal syncope may be predisposed to experiencing brief potentiated episodes of severe bradycardia and even cardiac arrest following spinal anesthesia. Copyright:
BACKGROUND: Spinal anesthesia is being increasingly recognized as a favorable alternative to general anesthesia. However, there are still several considerations for its safe and effective use. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 62-year-old male received spinal anesthesia during an uneventful L3-L5 decompressive laminectomy. However, he subsequently experienced a brief episode of pulseless electrical activity in the post-anesthesia care unit, and was successfully resuscitated without further sequelae. This was attributed to a vasovagal episode, with his notable prior history of experiencing vasovagal syncope with lightheadedness and fainting at the sight of blood. CONCLUSION: Patients with a history of vasovagal syncope may be predisposed to experiencing brief potentiated episodes of severe bradycardia and even cardiac arrest following spinal anesthesia. Copyright:
Authors: Jeffrey M Breton; Calvin G Ludwig; Michael J Yang; T Jayde Nail; Ron I Riesenburger; Penny Liu; James T Kryzanski Journal: J Neurosurg Spine Date: 2021-11-05