Convulsions during epidural anaesthesia. A case report.

A case of convulsion due to inadvertent intravascular injection of bupivacaine during attempted epidural anaesthesia is presented. A review of the literature indicates that such an event is difficult to anticipate, and resuscitative equipment and skill are prerequisites for anyone attempting epidural anaesthesia. The role of benzodiazepines, test doses and aspiration tests and the significance of plasma drug levels are discussed.