J Korean Pain Soc.  1994 May;7(1):106-112.

Paraplegia following Epidural Steroid Injection: A case report

• Chung SY
• Song JH
• Lee MR
• Lee HS
• Park DH

Abstract

This report documents a case of paraplegia which apparently occurred following epidural injection of triamcinolone (40mg) and 0.125% bupivacaine (10ml). The patients condition was progressive until she experienced paraplegia and dissociative sensory loss below T5 (Rt) and T10 (Lt) dernatomes, along with urinary and fecal incontinence lasting 24 hours. CT and MRI were normal. Three months after the onset of paraplegia, the patient could only slightly move her legs. After 8 months of the initial paraplegia, she was able to walk with assistance, and to perceive pinrick sensation in her right leg, and tingling in her left leg. She could also void and defecate. At 16 months, paraplegia and sensory loss were slightly recovered. The cause for this paraplegia is still unknown, but it may be from exacerbation of preexisting disease, acute transverse myelitis, anterior spinal artery syndrome, or neurotoxicity.

Keyword

Epidural; Triamcinolone; Paraplegia

MeSH Terms

Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome
Bupivacaine
Fecal Incontinence
Humans
Injections, Epidural
Leg
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Myelitis, Transverse
Paraplegia*
Preexisting Condition Coverage
Sensation
Triamcinolone
Bupivacaine
Triamcinolone