Cervical epidural block can be useful in the management of acute and chronic pain of the head, neck, shoulder, and arm, for selected patients.
In spite of the widespread use of cervical epidural blocks for pain, there is limited published data on the specific technique and complications regarding the procedure. High levels of epidural block do not appear to be associated with clinically
significant circulatory or ventilatory changes unless the concentrations of local anesthetics used are great enough to produce paralysis of intercostal and phrenic nerves. However, high level of epidural block is associated with sympathetic block
which
may affect responses of circulatory and ventilatory systems. Accordingly, the possibility of major complications of cervical epidural block must be borne in mind.
We experienced two cases of respiratory arrest dkuring cervical epidural block with bupivacaine. This is a report regarding complications of cervical epidural block.
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