Intrathecal injection of a drug can result in the cauda equina syndrome.
Clinical features:
(1) clinical onset of the cauda equina syndrome
(2) onset shortly after intrathecal injection of a drug
(3) variable course, with permanent deficit possible
(4) exclusion of alternative explanations
Features of the cauda equina syndrome may include:
(1) back pain
(2) numbness over the buttocks
(3) incontinence of stool and urine
(4) erectile dysfunction
(5) increased bladder tonicity
The injection may be accidental or intentional (for treatment of lymphoma or infection infiltrating the spinal cord).
Errors may include injecting the wrong drug or incorrect positioning of a catheter or needle.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
Specialty: Toxicology, Pharmacology, clinical, Emergency Medicine
