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Canadian Journal of Anesthesia, Vol 25, 133-139, Copyright © 1978 by Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society

Sequence of Return of Neurological Function and Criteria for Safe Ambulation following Subarachnoid Block (Spinal Anaesthesic)

A. EUGENE PFLUG M.D.1, GEORDIS M. AASHEIM M.D.1, and CHARLENE FOSTER R.N., M.S.N.1

1 Department of Anesthesiology and the Anesthesia Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, 98195

Request reprints from: A. Eugene Pflug, M.D., Anesthesiology Service, Veterans Administration Hospital, 4435 Beacon Avenue South, Seattle, WA, 98108.

Twenty-three adult men were studied during and after subarachnoid block anaesthesia for elective surgery. Measurements were obtained of mean arterial pressure and pulse, both supine and after standing for five minutes, core body (tympanic) and peripheral skin (toe) temperatures and blood flow in the leg. Time of measurements included one hour after the injection of tetracaine and after regression of the block. Results obtained indicate that the sequence of return of neurological activity following tetracaine subarachnoid block is sympathetic nervous system activity, pinprick sensation, somatic motor function followed by proprioception in the feet. This progression provides the basis for recommended criteria which indicate when it is safe for patients who have had subarachnoid block anaesthesia to become ambulatory. These criteria include: (1) return of pinprick sensation in the peri-anal area (sacral 4-5); (2) plantar flexion of the foot (while supine) at pre-anaesthetic levels of strength; and (3) return of proprioception in the big toe, always provided that the patient is not hypovolaemic or sedated.






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Copyright © 1978 by the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society.