Spinal anaesthesia and risk evidence table

The table below contains the evidence we have used in our risk information for spinal anaesthesia.

Category Risk Reference
Needed additional pain relief 5 in 100
Needed a general anaesthetic 2 in 100
Headache 0.5–1.5% NOAD data set: Obstetric anaesthetic practice in the UK: a descriptive analysis of the National Obstetric Anaesthetic Database 2009–2014
Had shivering 29–54% Narrative Review on Perioperative Shivering during Caesarean Section under Neuraxial Anaesthesia
Had low blood pressure 71% British Journal of Anaesthesia (BJA): Preventing spinal hypotension during Caesarean delivery: what is the latest?
Felt sick 36% Meta-analysis: Risks and side-effects of intrathecal morphine combined with spinal anaesthesia: a meta-analysis
Were sick 19% Meta-analysis: Risks and side-effects of intrathecal morphine combined with spinal anaesthesia: a meta-analysis
Had itching 37% Meta-analysis: Risks and side-effects of intrathecal morphine combined with spinal anaesthesia: a meta-analysis
Difficulty passing urine 17% Meta-analysis: Risks and side-effects of intrathecal morphine combined with spinal anaesthesia: a meta-analysis
Weak, numb or tingly leg, buttock or foot (temporary) 1 in 1,857 Literature review: Neurological complications in obstetric regional anaesthesia
Weak, numb or tingly leg, buttock or foot (permanent) 1 in 20,000 NOAD data set: Obstetric anaesthetic practice in the UK: a descriptive analysis of the National Obstetric Anaesthetic Database 2009–2014
Loss of consciousness or cardiac arrest (high spinal) 1 in 3,000 to 16,000
Meningitis 1 in 50,000 Third National Audit Project (NAP3): Major complications of central neuraxial block in the UK
Infection in or around the spine 1 in 145,000 Third National Audit Project (NAP3): Major complications of central neuraxial block in the UK
Blood clot around the spine 1 in 168,000 Third National Audit Project (NAP3): Major complications of central neuraxial block in the UK
Become paralysed <1 in 80,000 Third National Audit Project (NAP3): Major complications of central neuraxial block in the UK
Effectiveness of blood patch   Short report: M.A. Broom. Accidental dural puncture during epidural blood patch: a narrative review. IJOA 2023;55:103900
How epidurals can reduce the risk of complications around the time of childbirth in people at normal risk and in people at high risk   Kearns RJ et al. Epidural analgesia during labour and severe maternal morbidity: population based study. BMJ 2024;385:e077190

Find out more below

Risks associated with general anaesthesia
Browse our infographics and leaflets detailing specific risks associated with general anaesthesia, including side effects or complications that could occur.

Risks associated with regional anaesthesia
Browse our leaflets detailing specific risks associated with regional anaesthesia, including side effects or complications that could occur.

Common events & risks for children & young people
These infographics show some of the common events and risks that healthy children and young people of normal weight face when having a general anaesthetic (GA) for routine surgery.