A 39-year-old member asked:
can paralysis happen during intubation?
5 doctor answers
Dr. Richard O'Leary answered
29 years experience Anesthesiology
Only in rare cases: Intubation involves using an instrument (called a laryngoscope) to help the health care provider see the vocal cords and trachea. If the patient has an unstable spine in his neck, perhaps from an auto accident, etc, there is a very remote chance that using the laryngoscopes could put strain in the pine and damage the spinal cord. Anesthesiologists are trained how to intubate all patients safely.
Answered on Apr 16, 2015
18
18 thanks
Dr. James Sidman answered
40 years experience Pediatric ENT and Head and Neck Surgery
Part of anesthesia: The anesthesia for intubation will often include a paralytic agent, but it either wears off or can be reversed by the time the person is ready to wake up from anesthesia.
Answered on May 10, 2014
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1 thank
Dr. Mitchell Zeitler answered
39 years experience Anesthesiology
Absolutely: This is why pts who have been brought into the trauma centers are at risk--or anyone who has a possible unstable cervical spine (car crash, ski accident). The neck must be left in a neutral position (think cervical collar) and if the airway needs to be secured by intubation one must do it w/o flexing or extending the neck. With the new videoscopes this is usually accomplished easily.
Answered on May 8, 2013
Dr. Orrin Ailloni-Charas answered
29 years experience Anesthesiology
Yes: Many anesthesiologists use muscle relaxants to paralyze a patient for intubation and surgery. During the time o paralysis, you should be unconscious.
Answered on Sep 14, 2012
Dr. Jordan Fersel answered
37 years experience Pain Management
No: I think you are a bit confused. Paralysis occurs from one of the medications administered by the anesthesiologist. We do this to relax the facial and laryngeal muscles in order to facilitate intubation. The paralysis is temporary and always wears off...
Answered on Aug 12, 2015
1
1 thank
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A 50-year-old member asked:
Dr. Calvin Weisberger answered
51 years experience Cardiology
Bradycardia: Bradycardia is defined as hr less than 60bpm. Intubation driven by a heart rate of 55bpm would be highly unusual. Intubation for a heart rate of 20 w ... Read More
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1 comment
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. William Jenkins answered
Specializes in Anesthesiology
Intubation: Intubation is not normal during bradycardia but if the bradycardia is severe, cannot be rapidly corrected and is caused by or causing ventilation prob ... Read More
A 44-year-old female asked:
Dr. Brijesh Chandwani answered
11 years experience Pain Management
Yes: Trauma during intubation or other times can affect the periodontal ligaments of a tooth and cause mobility. Consult your dentist as the tooth might n ... Read More
1
1 thank
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Andrew Turrisi answered
47 years experience Radiation Oncology
Non-volitional: Reflex.
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