Nerve Block Causes Shock and Seizure

A 53-year-old female presents to a pain management clinic several weeks after having a broken arm set by means of an ORIF procedure (Open Reduction Internal Fixation). She received multiple injections into the axillary region for nerve block. The patient immediately experienced an allergic reaction and went into shock. She experienced a grand mal seizure on the way to the hospital and a cardiac workup showed stress to the cardiovascular system.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Is this reaction to anesthetic common and what may have been done to prevent such an event?

Expert Witness Response E-000116

A severe reaction to anesthesia is not a common occurrence but it is reported in the medical literature. There is no fool proof method of predicting the response of patients to drugs but an extensive discussion with the patient about their medical history is crucial to avoiding such issue.