Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 4/9/2007

Question
In ohio is it legal for a crna to administer an epidural with no doctor in the room?  I asked her about a few complications I read about on the internet: adhesive arachnoiditis, nerve damage, epidural hematoma and she told me that they don't happen, they are only in books.  I was hurt, ended up getting arachnoiditis from the epidural.  I am not going to sue or anything, I just don't understand why someone who obviously doesn't know what they are doing or at least doesn't know the risks can do such a dangerous precedure.

Answer
I don't know Ohio law specifically but in general, as long as the CRNA is under the supervision of an MD it is allowed. As for her not knowing the complications, etc, she probably did but did not want to alarm you and this is not only wrong, it goes against the requirements of the consent form. While these complications are very rare, as you found out, they do happen. I apologize for your circumstances.

Ronald Levy ,MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston