Transient radicular irritation with intrathecal plain lignocaine

Abstract

This case of transient radicular irritation occurred in a patient given 40 mg of subarachnoid lignocaine (the lowest dose of isobaric preservative-free lignocaine reported thus far that has been associated with these symptoms). Her operation was performed in the supine position. The lack of confounding factors (hyperbaricity, high concentration solution, preservatives, lithotomy position) suggests lignocaine as a possible cause, yet current theories do not fully explain the aetiology of transient radicular irritation. Results from large-scale epidemiological studies will hopefully provide insight into the cause of this problem.