Neurologic complications of regional anesthesia.

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Regional anesthesia is evolving rapidly and increasing in popularity as evidenced by the large number of publications on the topic. In this healthcare environment, continual assessment of the safety and efficacy of clinical practice is critical. Neurologic complications of regional anesthesia can result in disability and are feared by patients and clinicians. Ultrasound guidance is unique as a nerve localizing technique in terms of being able to image needle-nerve proximity and potentially prevent direct trauma to nerves. This article reviews the recent literature relevant to neurologic complications of regional anesthesia. RECENT FINDINGS: The incidence of intraneural inj..