Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 3/1/2009

Question
When the doctor pulled out the needle my leg jolted. Then a few days after leaving hospital my heal, back and then entire leg lost all feeling. It came back eventually but could this happen again or more severely if I have another spinal in the future?

Answer
Hi there Maia

We know that transient neurological effects (short lived numbness, tingling, discomfort in part of the lower limbs) can happen after spinal anaesthesia. The incidence varies with the agent used and the position the patient is in after the injection, however it is rare with an incidence of 1 in something like 10,000. We also know that permenant problems are extremely rare especially in maternity.
However I would never say it won't or can't happen - only that the chances are very very rare and that I would quite happily have a spinal despite my knowledge about this.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson