Tag: Sympathetic blockade

While severe complications are rare during spinal anesthesia, the occurrence of total spinal anesthesia is particularly feared among clinicians due to its rapid and life-threatening nature. When an anesthetic block spreads excessively high, it can lead to the most severe consequences, including cardiovascular collapse and respiratory arrest.

According to research, hypotension is the most common side effect following an epidural, affecting a significant number of patients. Understanding **what is the most common cause of hypotension with an epidural** is essential for healthcare providers and patients alike to ensure appropriate monitoring and management.

Approximately 14% of women who receive an epidural during labor experience a drop in blood pressure. The central question for many patients and clinicians is: **why does an epidural cause hypotension?** This phenomenon is primarily due to the medication's effect on the sympathetic nervous system.