Turkish Journal of Geriatrics
2012 , Vol 15, Issue 4
PARALYSIS OF ABDUCENS NERVE AFTER SADDLE BLOCK IN A GERIATRIC PATIENT: CASE REPORT
Antalya Özel Andeva Yıldız Hastanesi Anesteziyoloji ve Reanimasyon, ANTALYA
Paralysis of abducens nerve is a very rare revers›ble complication of lumbar puncture, which is
a common procedure most often used for diagnostic and anesthetic purposes. The incidence
of postdural puncture headache and paralysis of abducens nerve is related with younger age,
female gender, and the diameter and shape of the needle used, and also with multiple insertions
of the needle into the subarachnoid space. Traction on the sixth cranial nerve due to
cerebrospinal fluid leak leads to lateral rectus muscle palsy. Alternative types of anesthesia or
performing spinal anesthesia using smaller diameter or atraumatic spinal needles may help to
decrease the incidence of abducens palsy. We aimed to present a case of 6th nerve paralysis
after spinal anaesthesia in a geriatric patient who was not in the risk group.
Keywords :
Anesthesia, Spinal; Diplopia; Abducens Nerve Injury