Unilateral Cranial Nerve Six Palsy following Epidural Analgesia for Uncomplicated Pregnancy Treated with Epidural Blood Patch

Friday, November 14, 2025

3:54 PM - 4:02 PM CT

Location: Griffin Hall - Screen 05

Introduction: Epidural analgesia is a standard practice in managing pain during labor and delivery. Post-dural puncture headache is a common complication from accidental dural puncture during the procedure. The cerebrospinal fluid leakage may cause brain parenchymal sagging, which stresses the bridge veins and cranial nerves, with CN VI being the most commonly affected. This case report describes an abducens nerve palsy following epidural analgesia treated with epidural blood patch with subsequent improvement in palsy symptoms.

Submitting Author(s)

TL

Thomas Li, DO

Fellow
New York University
Long Island City, New York, United States

Co-Author(s)

SZ

Shengping Zou, MD

Medical Director, Center for the Study Treatment of Pain
New York University, United States

SC

Steven Calvino, MD

Clinical Associate Professor, Dept of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care, & Pain Medicine at NYU
New York University, United States