Neurologic complications of neuraxial analgesia for labor

Even though the incidence of true neurologic complications arising from neuraxial anesthesia is not known, they appear to be very rare. As anesthesiologists, providing care encompasses knowing the side effects and complications of the anesthetic we provide. Many of the nerve palsies that present in the postpartum patient may be of an obstetric origin, but anesthesiologists should be aware of anesthetic-related complications.