Locked-in syndrome during stellate ganglion block.

[locked-in syndrome]

Intra-arterial injection of a local anaesthetic during stellate ganglion blockade may cause life-threatening complications . The usual complications are apnoea , unconsciousness and seizures . However , occasionally an unusual complication , 'locked-in ' syndrome , has also been reported . In this syndrome the patients remain conscious despite their inability to move , breathe or speak . Here we describe a patient who developed features akin to the locked-in syndrome along with severe hypotension and bradycardia , after an injection of only 2 ml of lignocaine during a stellate ganglion block .