Transient Hypokalemic Quadriplegia After a Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Dexamethasone Injection: A Case Report

A 30-year-old man with no significant medical history presented with hypokalemic quadriplegia 4 hours after he received a lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection (ESI) containing dexamethasone and lidocaine. A comprehensive workup ruled out acquired and hereditary causes of hypokalemic paralysis. Symptoms gradually resolved within hours after potassium restoration with no residual neurologic deficits. Paralysis after transforaminal ESI is uncommon but has been associated with particulate steroids that can coalesce into aggregates and occlude vessels.
Source: PM and R - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Tags: Case Presentation Source Type: research