Cauda equina syndrome and profound hearing loss after spinal anaesthesia

Abstract EN

A 35 years old man undergoing anorectal surgery developed cauda equina syndrome and bilateral profound hearing loss after single injection spinal anaesthesia with heavy xylocaine.

There was no pain on needle placement.

Neurogenic assessment found impaired sensation to pinprick in the perineal region, lower extremity paralysis, and bowel and bladder incontinence.

In addition, he developed a bilateral profound hearing loss involving the low frequencies, with left side more affected than the right side.

Although hearing impairment can occur with cerebrospinal fluid leakage, the etiology of cauda equina syndrome is uncertain.

The simultaneous occurrence of these events has not been previously reported.