Horner's syndrome following obstetric neuraxial blockade - a systematic review of the literature

Horner's syndrome is usually a benign phenomenon, the consequence of high cephalad spread of local anaesthetic, that resolves spontaneously within a few hours. Patients with a persistent Horner's syndrome, or one associated with atypical features such as neck pain, should undergo a diagnostic workup including magnetic resonance angiography of the neck. The dermatomal level of neuraxial blockade, maternal and fetal well-being should be taken into account when making decisions regarding neuraxial blockade. The presence of Horner's syndrome alone should not lead to discontinuation of neuraxial blockade.