Prevalence and associated factors of post-spinal anesthesia transient neurological symptoms in Dessie Referral Hospital from February to April 2021: an institution based cross sectional study

Background: Spinal anesthesia is the most commonly utilized regional anesthesia for surgical procedures below the umbilicus. However, it has also been implicated as possible cause of neurological complications. Transient neurological symptom (TNS) after spinal anesthesia characterized, by postoperative discomfort within the buttocks or lower extremities are one of the neurological complications associated with spinal anesthesia. Objective: To assess the prevalence of and factors associated with TNS. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was used for patients who underwent elective surgery under spinal anesthesia from 1 February 2021 until 30 April 2021. The sample size was 215. The data collection method included chart review and patient interviews. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 23 computer program. The association between independent factors and the outcome variable was determined by binomial logistic regression, and multiple logistic regression analysis and a p-value of less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Result: Of the 215 patients who participated in our study and the prevalence of TNS after spinal anesthesia was 10.2%. Factors that were assessed to be associated with TNS were large body mass index (BMI) (AOR = 2.9 and 95% CI: 1.03–8.43) and lithotomy surgical position (AOR = 3.64 and 95% CI: 1.19–11.08). Conclusion: Our study result shaowed that the overall prevalence of TNS after spinal anesthesia was 10.2%. Compared with other studies the prevalence of TNS in our study was lower. A higher BMI and lithotomy surgical position have a significant relationship with the incidence of TNS.