Vasovagal Reactions and Other Complications of Cervical vs. Lumbar Translaminar Epidural Steroid Injections

Objective: To document the per patient rate of vasovagal reactions and other complications of cervical vs. lumbar translaminar epidural steroid injections. Background: Anecdotal observations at our institution suggested that vasovagal reactions are much more common during cervical epidural steroid injections than lumbar injections, and more frequent than previously reported. Methods: Records of 249 patients undergoing their first cervical epidural steroid injection were reviewed for vasovagal reactions and other adverse events. For comparison, a first lumbar epidural steroid injection performed by the same staff physician was matched to each cervical procedure and reviewed for complications. Results: The incidence of vasovagal reaction was 7 points more common (P