Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 5/21/2008

Question
I had my second c-section almost 8 months ago (sept 24/07) and lately I have had progressively worse numbness and tingling in my spine around the injection site.  I also feel soreness/tenderness in the vertebrae (bone?) where the needle was injected.  I do not feel any numbness in my legs or other extremities and really have no other side effects other than this pins and needles feeling in my back which is occurring more frequently.  Is this something I should be concerned about?  I haven't seen my doctor up until this point b/c I just assumed it was being aggravated by lifting/carrying my child.

Thanks
Stephanie

Answer
It is definitely something to be concerned about but it doesn't sound related to the anesthesia per se. It might be an infection in the area but without examining it, I couldn't tell. If it were related to the epidural you would expect some findings in the legs. You should definitely be seen be a physician (perhaps a neurologist) just to make sure there is nothing organic going on.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston