Nerve Block Causes Shock and Seizure

Case Overview

A 53-year-old female presents to a pain management clinic several weeks after having a broken arm set by means of an ORIF procedure (Open Reduction Internal Fixation). She received multiple injections into the axillary region for nerve block. The patient immediately experienced an allergic reaction and went into shock. She experienced a grand mal seizure on the way to the hospital and a cardiac workup showed stress to the cardiovascular system.

Questions to the Anesthesiology expert and their responses

Is this reaction to anesthetic common?

A severe reaction to anesthesia is not a common occurrence but it is reported in the medical literature.

What may have been done to prevent such an event?

There is no fool proof method of predicting the response of patients to drugs but an extensive discussion with the patient about their medical history is crucial to avoiding such issue.

About the expert

This actively practicing, board-certified anesthesiologist specializes in pain medicine, and currently holds high-ranking administrative and clinical positions at a major New York healthcare institution. He also is fellowship trained in pediatric anesthesiology, making him especially capable of reviewing the case at hand.