Preoperative anxiety can cause convulsion and severe hypotension immediately after spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery: a case report

J Int Med Res. 2019 Oct;47(10):5323-5327. doi: 10.1177/0300060519873473. Epub 2019 Sep 13.

Abstract

Preoperative anxiety in patients under spinal anaesthesia may cause serious complications. We report a case of combined transient convulsion and severe hypotension immediately after spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery in a patient who presented with severe preoperative anxiety. Our patient’s consciousness and blood pressure recovered normally without any sequelae. However, preoperative anxiety can induce such complications, particularly in patients under regional anaesthesia. Therefore, early detection and deliberate management for preoperative anxiety are required for the patient’s safety and satisfaction.

Keywords: Caesarean delivery; convulsion; hyperventilation; hypotension; pregnancy; preoperative anxiety; spinal anaesthesia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anesthesia, Spinal / adverse effects*
  • Anesthesia, Spinal / psychology*
  • Anxiety / etiology*
  • Cesarean Section / adverse effects*
  • Cesarean Section / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypotension / etiology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Seizures / etiology*