[Brachial plexus paralysis after stellate blockade and plexus anaesthesia (author's transl)].

Brachial plexus paralysis is a serious complication of stellate blockade (n = 2) and plexus anaesthesia (n = 6) as was observed in 8 patients. It is frequently characterised by localised motor and sensory defects in the affected arm and sometimes accompanied by a causalgia-like pain. Pathogenetically mechanical factors--needle trauma, injection pressure, volume, and velocity--are of decisive importance. Prophylactically intraneural injections must be avoided. The electrifying pain during insertion of the needle and (or) immediate anaesthetic effect require correction of needle position.