Neurological Deficits Following Regional Anesthesia and Pain Interventions: Reviewing Current Standards of Care

Abstract

Regional anesthesia (RA) has become an integral part of modern anesthesia practice and acute pain management strategies. It provides effective pain relief, reduces opioid consumption, and facilitates enhanced recovery after surgery. However, like any medical intervention, RA is not without risks. RA is associated with potential complications, including neurological deficits which can range from mild and transient to severe and permanent. These neurological deficits may result from non-adherence to established standards of care and deviations from the clinical practice guidelines. An online database search was conducted across multiple websites to identify the relevant articles. The inclusion criteria were articles in English, published between January 2010 and July 2024. The search included various study types, such as case series, observational studies, cross-sectional analyses, cohort studies, longitudinal studies, systematic reviews, and practice guidelines. A total of 38 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this comprehensive review which examines the neurological complications associated with regional anesthesia and pain interventions, with a particular focus on how deviations from the standards of care contribute to adverse neurological outcomes. Furthermore, it highlights preventive strategies aimed at minimizing the risks of these complications and improving patient safety.