2017A Question 12

Discuss the physiological consequences of total spinal anaesthesia caused by intrathecal administration of 20mL 2% lignocaine at L3/4 level. (Do not include management)

Examiner Report

29.2 % of candidates achieved a pass in this question.

This question was best addressed with a systems-based approach. Marks were given for discussion of the onset, duration and offset of these side effects. Most candidates gave a description of the cardiovascular and respiratory consequences from sympathetic blockade, and effects at the thoracic, cervical and brainstem level. Frequently omitted effects included the consequences of specific blockade of motor and sensory functions of cranial and peripheral nervous systems. Marks were also awarded for CNS effects such as about pupil changes, thermoregulation, and changes to airway reflexes.

Discussion about management, systemic toxicity or other complications related to spinal anaesthesia did not score marks.

Model Answer

Structure:

  • Introduction
  • Nervous
  • CVS
  • Resp
  • Other

Introduction

Factor Detail
Dose

- 20mg/mL x 20mL = 400mg = 5.7mg.kg-1

(exceeds toxic subcut dose)

Effects

- CSF effects >> systemic effects

- Blockade of lumbar cord → Thoracic → Cervical → Brainstem

Time course

- Total spinal within ~10 mins

- Duration ~ 2 hours (shorter than many operations)

Nervous System

Region Detail
Lower body

- Sensory and motor loss

- Muscle relaxation facilitates surgical access

Upper body

Head and neck

- Sensory > motor loss

Cranial nerves

- CNX (pharynx and larynx for intubation)

- CNIII EW (mydriasis)

Medulla

- Block ascending reticular activating system → Coma

Delayed complications

- Risk of transient neurological symptoms

 - Buttock and thigh pain without neuro deficit)

Cardiovascular

Region Detail
Lumbar and low thoracic level

- Venodilatation → ↓ Preload (exacerbated by hypovolaemia)

- Vasodilatation → ↓ SVR

- ↓ MAP

- Reflex ↑ HR may be significant (baroreceptor response)

High thoracic and cervical level

- ↓ HR and ↓ contractility (acceleromotor T1-4)

- ↓↓ MAP

- Absent baroreceptor response

Brainstem level

- Zero SNS output (RVLM), zero PSNS output (dorsal motor nucleus and nucleus ambiguus)

- ↓↓ MAP

- HR at intrinsic SA node rate 110bpm, absent baroreceptor response

Respiratory

Region Detail
Thoracic level - Intercostal paralysis
Upper cervical level

- C3-5: Diaphragm paralysis

- (Note phrenic nerve is large and resistant to blockade)

Brainstem level

- CNIX, X: ↓↓ Airway reflexes, glottic opening, risk aspiration if unprotected

- CNIII: Dilated pupils

- Medulla: Paralysed resp centre, apnoea

Other

System Detail
Musculoskeletal

- ↓↓ Muscle tone → Improved surgical access

GIT

- ↓ PSNS output → ↓ GIT activity

Temp

- Vasodilatation, venodilatation, → Peripheral heat distribution → ↑↑ Heat loss

Systemic effect

- Risk of CVS toxicity: Conduction delay, re-entrant tachyarrhythmias, arrest


Last updated 2021-08-23

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