A 33-year-old member asked:
Can epidurals cause vagal nerve damage?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Gary Roachanswered
Anesthesiology 43 years experience
No: The vagus nerve originates in the brain, so an injection affecting spinal nerves should have no effect.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Lewis Margolisanswered
49 years experience
Epidural complicatio: Epidurals are injections of local anesthetics and/or steroids into the space superficial to the spinal fluid. I think any complication affecting the vagus nerve would involve insertion of the epidural needle and the patient's reaction to this - such as a vasovagal slowing of the heart rate or even fainting. An experienced anesthesiologist can easily treat this complication.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 11, 2017
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