Korean J Pain.  2005 Jun;18(1):52-55. 10.3344/kjp.2005.18.1.52.

Aseptic Meningitis after a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection: A case report

• Hwang BM
• Leem JG

• KMID: 2277959
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2005.18.1.52

Abstract

Complications following a well conducted epidural steroid injection are rare. A 50-year-old man developed a headache and neck stiffness 2 days after a lumbar epidural steroid injection. Under the impression of aseptic meningitis, fluid and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy was started immediately after cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling. The CSF was turbid, and revealed a white blood cell count, protein, glucose and pressure of 550/microl (98% lymphocyte), 107.9 mg/dl, 48 mg/dl (serum 113 mg/dl) and 17 cmH2O, respectively. The CSF stain and culture, and antibody test and polymerase chain reaction for pathogens were negative. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain revealed no abnormality, and a chest roentgenogram and the results of the neurological examination were normal. Under the impression of aseptic meningitis, the condition was managed conservatively, without antibiotics. Seven days later, the clinical symptoms had improved, and the patient discharged.

Keyword

complication; epidural block; meningitis; steroid

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Brain
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Drug Therapy
Glucose
Headache
Humans
Leukocyte Count
Meningitis
Meningitis, Aseptic*
Middle Aged
Neck
Neurologic Examination
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Thorax
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Glucose