{"id":"4699c874-26bb-4dfd-8a95-64b40ea4b743","slug":"postoperative-vasovagal-cardiac-arrest-after-spinal-anesthesia-for-lumbar-spine-surgery","title":"Postoperative vasovagal cardiac arrest after spinal anesthesia for lumbar spine surgery","authors":["Caitlin Keenan","Andy Y. Wang","Konstantin Balonov","James Kryzanski"],"abstract":"Background: Spinal anesthesia is being increasingly recognized as a favorable alternative to general anesthesia. However, there are still several considerations for its safe and effective use. Case Description: A 62-year-old male received spinal anesthesia during an uneventful L3-L5 decompressive laminectomy. However, he subsequently experienced a brief episode of pulseless electrical activity in the post-anesthesia care unit, and was successfully resuscitated without further sequelae. This was attributed to a vasovagal episode, with his notable prior history of experiencing vasovagal syncope with lightheadedness and fainting at the sight of blood. Conclusion: Patients with a history of vasovagal syncope may be predisposed to experiencing brief potentiated episodes of severe bradycardia and even cardiac arrest following spinal anesthesia.","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/4699c874-26bb-4dfd-8a95-64b40ea4b743/featured/hero-1781561634598.png","publishDate":"2022-02-11T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_25_2022","categories":["Spine","Case Report"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/11388/SNI-13-42.pdf"}