Korean J Anesthesiol.  2003 Oct;45(4):536-539. 10.4097/kjae.2003.45.4.536.

Convulsion after Stellate Ganglion Block with 0.2% Ropivacaine: A case report

• Park KH
• Song SO

• KMID: 2299040
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2003.45.4.536

Abstract

A 31 year old male patient suffering from sudden left sensorineural hearing loss, received SGB with 6.5 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine daily. The sixth SGB was performed in the usual manner, that is, following negative aspiration and 0.5 ml of an initial test dose, 2 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine was slowly injected three times, after aspiration testing on each injection. Having injected the 6.5 ml, he suddenly developed convulsion and respiratory insufficiency with unconsciousness and cyanosis. Airway management was performed by mask ventilation with oxygen. Two minutes later, he recovered. However, he remained in a hypertensive state for about 30 minutes. Despite taking all precautions during SGB, complications such as convulsion may occur even in the hands of an experienced physician. Therefore, before starting SGB, all resuscitation drugs and equipment must be ready for use in case any emergency develops.

Keyword

convulsion; ropivacaine; stellate ganglion block

MeSH Terms

Adult
Airway Management
Cyanosis
Emergencies
Hand
Hearing Loss, Sensorineural
Humans
Male
Masks
Oxygen
Respiratory Insufficiency
Resuscitation
Seizures*
Stellate Ganglion*
Unconsciousness
Ventilation
Oxygen