Neurologic Complications in Peripheral Regional Anesthesia - A Clinical Follow Up Study to Evaluate the Incidence of Neurologic Complications Defined According to a Standardized Protocol Considering Motoric and Sensory Function and Pain

Neurologic complications as an adverse effect occur in all types of regional anesthesia. Reviewing the literature, the incidence spreads from 0.02 up to 3 percent. The incidence remains unclear because of different types of definitions, too. In this study, we evaluate all patients receiving peripheral regional anesthesia 24 hours after block performance according to a standardized study protocol. In case of any conspicuousness concerning motoric or sensory function or pain, the patient will be evaluated again after 48 hours. Further on, in case of neurologic dysfunction, periods of investigation will be after 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. This study includes the definition for nerve damage concerning motoric and sensory neural function and pain.

The patients will be recruited among all patients from our hospital receiving continuous peripheral regional anesthesia.