Postoperative circuits in patients undergoing elective craniotomy. A narrative review. / Circuitos postoperatorios en los pacientes sometidos a craneotomía programada. Revisión narrativa.

In 2017, the Neurosciences section of the Spanish Society of Anaesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Therapy published a national survey on postoperative care and treatment circuits in neurosurgery. The survey showed that practices vary widely, depending on the centre, the anaesthesiologist and the pathology of the patient. There is currently no standard postoperative circuit for cranial neurosurgical procedures in Spanish hospitals, and there is sufficient evidence to show that not all patients undergoing elective craniotomy should be routinely admitted to a postsurgical critical care unit. The aim of this study is to perform a narrative review of postoperative circuits in elective craniotomy in order to standardise clinical practice in the light of published studies. For this purpose, we searched MEDLINE (PubMed) to retrieve studies published in the last ten years, up to November 2019, using the keywords neurosurgery and postoperative care, craniotomyand postoperative care.

Value of Posterior circulation ASPECTS and Pons-Midbrain Index on non-contrast CT and CT Angiography Source Images in patients with basilar artery occlusion recanalized after mechanical thrombectomy. / Valor de la escala ASPECTS de circulación posterior y del índice puente-mesencéfalo en imágenes de TC sin contraste y angiografía por TC en pacientes con oclusiones de la arteria basilar recanalizados tras trombectomía mecánica.

PURPOSE: Endovascular treatment with mechanical thrombectomy devices demonstrated high recanalization rates but functional outcome did not correlate with high rates of recanalization obtained. Patient selection prior to the endovascular treatment is very important in the final outcome of the patient. The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (pc-ASPECTS) and Pons-Midbrain Index (PMI) scores in patients with Basilar Artery Occlusion (BAO) treated with successful angiographic recanalization after mechanical thrombectomy. METHODS: Retrospective single-center study including 18 patients between 2008 and 2013 who had acute basilar artery occlusion managed with endovascular treatment within 24hours from symptoms onset and with successful angiographic recanalization. The patients were initially classified into two groups according to clinical outcome and mortality at 90 days. For analysis we also divided patients into groups based on pc-ASPECTS (≥8vs.<8) and PMI (≥3vs.<3) on non-contrast CT (NCCT) and CT Angiography Source Images (CTASI). Imaging data were correlated to clinical outcome and mortality rate. RESULTS: CTASI pc-ASPECTS, dichotomized at <8 versus≥8, was associated with a favorable outcome (RR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.3-5.2) and a reduced risk of death (RR: 6.5: 95% CI: 7.8-23.3). All patients that survived and were functionally independent had pc-ASPECTS score≥8. None of the 5 patients with CTASI pc-ASPECTS score less than 8 survived. CONCLUSION: PC-ASPECTS on CTASI is helpful for predicting functional outcome after BAO recanalization with endovascular treatment. These results should be validated in a randomized controlled trial in order to decide whether or not to treat a patient with BAO.

National survey on postoperative care and treatment circuits in neurosurgery. / Encuesta nacional sobre los circuitos de atención y tratamiento postoperatorio en neurocirugía.

INTRODUCTION: The analysis of surgical processes should be a standard of health systems. We describe the circuit of care and postoperative treatment for neurosurgical interventions in the centres of our country. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From June to October 2014, a survey dealing with perioperative treatments and postoperative circuits after neurosurgical procedures was sent to the chiefs of Anaesthesiology of 73 Spanish hospitals with neurosurgery and members of the Neuroscience Section of SEDAR. RESULTS: We obtained 45 responses from 30 centres (41.09%). Sixty percent of anaesthesiologists perform preventive locoregional analgesic treatment. Pain intensity is systematically assessed by 78%. Paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and morphine combinations are the most commonly used. A percentage of 51.1 are aware of the incidence of postoperative nausea after craniotomy and 86.7% consider multimodal prophylaxis to be necessary. Dexamethasone is given as antiemetic (88.9%) and/or anti-oedema treatment (68.9%). A percentage of 44.4 of anaesthesiologists routinely administer anticonvulsive prophylaxis in patients with supratentorial tumours (levetiracetam, 88.9%), and 73.3% of anaesthesiologists have postoperative surveillance protocols. The anaesthesiologist (73.3%) decides the patient's destination, which is usually ICU (83.3%) or PACU (50%). Postoperative neurological monitoring varied according to the type of intervention, although strength and sensitivity were explored in between 70-80%. CONCLUSIONS: There is great variability in the responses, probably attributable to the absence of guidelines, different structures and hospital equipment, type of surgery and qualified personnel. We need consensual protocols to standardize the treatment and the degree of monitoring needed during the postoperative period.

[Experience with the proseal laryngeal mask in ventriculoperitoneal shunting]. / Experiencia con el uso de la mascarilla laríngea Proseal en pacientes sometidos a cirugía de derivación ventrículo peritoneal.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use, utility, safety, and effectiveness of the Proseal laryngeal mask for airway management in patients undergoing ventriculoperitonea shunting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients in whom the Proseal laryngeal mask was used during ventriculoperitoneal shunting between January 2006 and October 2009. Patient demographic characteristics, airway assessments, type of anesthesia, quality of ventilation, and perioperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 43 patients included, 8 (18.6%) had at least 1 difficult airway criterion. We were able to insert the Proseal laryngeal mask in all patients. Ventilation was optimal in 39 (91%) patients, with maintenance of end-expiratory carbon dioxide pressures between 35 and 40 mm Hg and airway pressures above 25 cm H2O throughout the procedures. Air leaks developed in 3 cases (7%) when the patient was placed in a lateral-cervical position for surgery; these patients required orotracheal intubation before surgery could begin. Mean duration of surgery was 53 minutes. Awakening occurred without incident in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The Proseal laryngeal mask is useful for airway management in patients undergoing ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Due to the forced position of the neck, however, it may be necessary to reposition the mask or even proceed to orotracheal intubation in some cases. As is the case for other advanced uses, experience with the device is necessary. Material for managing a difficult airway should be on hand.

[Anesthesia considerations for deep-brain stimulation in a patient with type-2 pantothenate kinase deficiency (Hallervorden-Spatz disease)]. / Consideraciones anestésicas en una paciente con déficit de pantotenato cinasa tipo 2 (enfermedad de Hallervorden-Spatz) para estimulación cerebral profunda.

Neurodegeneration associated with pantothenate kinase deficiency is an autosomal recessive condition caused by mutations in the pantothenate kinase 2 gene (PANK2). Clinical characteristics include progressive motor impairment and dementia. Medical treatment is limited and the dystonia tends to be refractory, making stereotactic surgery with placement of deep-brain electrodes an option that is being adopted with greater frequency in these patients. We report the case of a 32-year-old woman with severe dystonia associated with PANK2 protein deficiency. The patient was scheduled for stereotactic bilateral placement of electrodes in the medial globus pallidus, guided by computed tomography and under general anesthesia, to treat the debilitating dystonia and generalized stiffness associated with her condition. Anesthesia was maintained with propofol, rocuronium and remifentanil in perfusion during the intervention, which was uneventful. After the procedure, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit and sedation was provided with remifentanil to allow slow, gradual emergence from anesthesia. The patient was discharged from hospital after placement of the implanted pulse generator, and subsequent follow-up showed improvement of the dystonia.

[Importance of monitoring neuroendoscopic intracranial pressure during anesthesia for neuroendoscopic surgery: review of 101 cases]. / Importancia de la monitorización de la "presión intracraneal dentro del neuroendoscopio" durante el tratamiento anestésico de la cirugía neuroendoscópica. Experiencia en 101 casos.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe monitoring, anesthetic management, and risk factors for complications in neuroendoscopic surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent neuroendoscopy between 1994 and 2003 under general anesthesia, with monitoring of intracranial pressure from inside the neuroendoscope, were studied retrospectively. In some patients, the blood flow rate in the middle cerebral artery was monitored using transcranial Doppler ultrasound. Information was collected related to surgical procedure and the development of complications. RESULTS: Of 101 patients included in the study, transcranial Doppler ultrasound images were available for 20. In 75 patients neuroendoscopic intracranial pressure exceeded 20 mm Hg. Forty-five percent of the patients with available transcranial Doppler ultrasound images showed episodes of reduced diastolic flow rate in the middle cerebral artery during ventricular irrigation. Hemodynamic instability was associated with higher neuroendoscopic intracranial pressures (P < .05). An increase of more than 30 mm Hg in neuroendoscopic intracranial pressure was associated with more postoperative complications, the most common of which was delayed awakening. Procedures that were more complicated than a simple ventriculostomy were performed in 58% of the cases. Mean (SD) neuroendoscopic intracranial pressures in such cases were higher (50.5 [30.9] mm Hg vs 31.8 [25.1 mm Hg] in the simpler procedures) and the postoperative complication rate was higher (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Neuroendoscopic surgery can causes increases in neuroendoscopic intracranial pressure that are associated with disturbances in cerebral blood flow and complications. This situation demonstrates the importance of monitoring intracranial pressure and cerebral blood flow.

[Problem/case-based learning compared to lectures for acquiring knowledge of air embolism in continuing medical education]. / Clase magistral versus aprendizaje basado en caso/problema para la enseñanza del embolismo aéreo en formación médica continuada.

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of continuing medical education in anesthesiology has been examined very little. This study compared the efficacy of a lecture on air embolism to that of a class that used a problem/case-based learning approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective, randomized study enrolling 52 experienced anesthesiologists participating in a professional development course. Twenty-six anesthesiologists attended a lecture on air embolism in anesthesia and 25 attended a problem-based class. The objectives were the same for both groups and had been defined previously. The participants' knowledge was evaluated before and after the instruction with tests based on 2 cases dealing with the same knowledge areas: risk factors and symptoms, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. RESULTS: No significant between-group differences were found for any of the knowledge areas before or after the classes. After instruction, participants who listened to the lecture improved their scores for knowledge of monitoring (P = .03) and treatment (P = .001). Participants in the problem-based learning group also improved their scores for knowledge of treatment (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: No between-group differences in participants' knowledge outcomes were detected; improvements were minimal. The study design allowed the knowledge acquired to be evaluated objectively.

Cerebrospinal fluid composition modifications after neuroendoscopic procedures.

Normal saline solution is currently used as the ventricular irrigation fluid during neuroendoscopic procedures. The aim of this study is to determine the alterations in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition after neuroendoscopic interventions. Twenty nine patients who underwent a neuroendoscopic procedure under general anaesthesia were studied. Temperature inside the cerebral ventricle was measured and samples of CSF were taken to determinate oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressures, pH, base excess, ionised calcium, standard bicarbonate, glucose, sodium, potassium, magnesium, total calcium, proteins, chlorine and osmolality before initiating the irrigation and after the neuronavigation. Patient demographics, neuronavigation time, total fluid volume used and temperature of the irrigation solution and complications that appeared in the first 24 hours were collected. Mean age of the patients was 42+/-18 years. The mean neuronavigation time was 21.5+/-15.4 minutes. The mean amount of saline solution used for irrigation was 919.6+/-994.7 mL. All the values studied in the CSF, except osmolality, showed significant variations. There was a significant correlation between the CSF variation of pH, oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressures, base excess, standard bicarbonate, glucose and total calcium with respect to the total volume of irrigation solution, but not with respect to the neuronavigation time. A cut-off point of 500 mL of irrigation solution (sensitivity 0.7; specificity 0.87) was related with a CSF pH decrease greater than 0.2. The use of saline as irrigation solution during neuroendoscopic procedures produces important changes in CSF.

Comparison between lecture-based approach and case/problem-based learning discussion for teaching pre-anaesthetic assessment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The case/problem-based learning discussion method was recently introduced into the theory-based training program for residents run by the Catalan Society of Anaesthesiology. This study was designed to assess and compare its effectiveness with that of the lecture-based approach for teaching pre-anaesthetic assessment, applying an objective tool for knowledge evaluation before and after teaching. METHODS: A prospective randomized study of two consecutive year groups of first year anaesthesiology residents was conducted. Twenty-nine residents attended a lecture, and 25, a case/problem-based learning discussion session. Their knowledge of pre-anaesthetic assessment was assessed before and after the teaching session with tests on four different clinical cases measuring six fields: (1) 'recognizing clinical data with anaesthetic implications'; (2) 'reasoning clinical data with anaesthetic implications'; (3) 'ASA class'; (4) 'Mallampati class'; (5) 'choice of anaesthetic technique'; (6) 'reasoning choice of anaesthetic technique'. RESULTS: Before the teaching session, the lecture group scored significantly higher on field 1 (P = 0.006). Both teaching methods improved scores on fields 1, 2 and 4. The case/problem group also improved on fields 3 and 6. After the teaching session, the field 1 score was still significantly higher in the lecture group (P = 0.005), and the field 3 score was significantly higher in the case/problem group (P = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of lecture and case/problem-based learning discussion differed little in terms of improving participants' immediate knowledge of 'pre-anaesthetic assessment'.

[Behaviour of near-infrared cerebral oximetry readings during percutaneous carotid angioplasty]. / Valoración del comportamiento de la oximetría cerebral por infrarrojos durante la angioplastia percutánea de carótida interna.

BACKGROUND: Transluminal percutaneous carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) carries a risk of cerebral ischemia, hemorrhage, or edema due to relative hyperemia and hemodynamic instability during and after the procedure. Noninvasive monitoring of near-infrared regional cerebral oxygen saturation (SrO2) offers an indirect way to estimate cerebral blood flow. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the behaviour of SrO2 during CAS and the usefulness of this variable for continuous monitoring of cerebral blood flow variation and neurological status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study of 25 patients scheduled for unilateral CAS under monitored anesthesia care. SrO, and other hemodynamic and clinical data were recorded. A change in SrO2 (deltaSrO2) of 15% or more in comparison with the baseline value and lasting more than 30 seconds was considered clinically significant. Neurological complications in the first 24 hours were also registered. RESULTS: Baseline SrO, ranged from 51% to 75%. With administration of papaverine SrO2 values increased by a mean (SD) of 5.6% (6%) (P<.05 vs baseline). They decreased during angioplasty, -2.5% (5.7%) (P<.05 vs baseline), increased after 5 minutes, and fell again at 30 minutes to a level 3% (6.54%) above baseline. Two patients showed signs of elevated intracranial pressure after the procedures and also had ASrO2 readings exceeding 15%; measures to lower arterial hypertension reduced SrO2 in these patients. CONCLUSION: High interindividual variability of absolute SrO2 values has been confirmed. SrO, fluctuates with maneuvers that change cerebral blood flow in the same way. Changes can precede the onset of other clinical signs.

[Preoperative adverse events during stereotactic microelectrode-guided deep brain surgery in Parkinson's disease]. / Incidencias peroperatorias durante la cirugía estereotáctica con utilización de microelectrodos intracerebrales profundos en la enfermedad de Parkinson.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of adverse events and complications during surgery using deep brain electrodes, mainly in the treatment of Parkinsonism. To describe the adjustment of propofol to meet the needs of neurophysiological monitoring. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study of patients undergoing stereotactic microelectrode-guided deep brain surgery (stereotactic pallidotomy, implantation of electrodes in the thalamic or subthalamic neurons of the globus pallidus). After placement of a stereotactic frame and completion of a computed tomography scan of the head, the patients were transferred to the operating room. Monitoring included electrocardiography, pulse oximetry, arterial pressure (invasive), endtidal carbon dioxide pressure, and diuresis. Anesthesia was maintained by intermittent infusion of propofol. Variables recorded were age, sex, disease and time elapsed since diagnosis, surgical complications and their treatment, total dose of propofol, duration of surgery, and place of transfer for recovery. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-eight patients (50 women, 78 men) with a mean (+/- SD) age of 59.6 +/- 10.2 years underwent the procedure from 1996 through 2003. The mean time elapsed since diagnosis of the disease was 14 +/- 6.2 years. The propofol dose was 890.6 +/- 571.4 mg and duration of surgery was 8.3 +/- 2.4 hours. Adverse events were observed for 101 patients (78.9%). The most common complications involved hemodynamics: arterial hypertension (59.4%), bradycardia (18.0%), arterial hypotension (7.9%), and tachycardia (6.2%). Other more serious complications were pneumocephalus with clinical repercussions (3 cases), globus pallidus hematoma (2), air embolism (2), epileptic seizure (3), anisocoria (1), and dyspnea and/or airway obstruction (7). CONCLUSIONS: Deep brain stimulation requires surgery of long duration. Because of frequent episodes of arterial hypertension, which increases the risk of brain hemorrhage, and other less common but potentially dangerous complications, careful clinical monitoring is necessary during the procedure. The intermittent use of propofol does not interfere with neurophysiological monitoring.

[Complications during epilepsy surgery. Experience after 102 interventions between 1997 and 2001]. / Complicaciones en la cirugía de la epilepsia. Experiencia tras 102 intervenciones entre 1997 y 2001.

OBJECTIVES: To describe perioperative complications in different approaches to surgery for epilepsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients undergoing surgery related to epilepsy between January 1997 and December 2001 were studied. We gathered information on patient characteristics, diagnosis, anticonvulsant treatment, surgical procedure, type of anesthesia and perioperative complications. RESULTS: Ninety-eighty patients underwent 90 procedures under general anesthesia and 12 procedures with local anesthesia and sedation. Surgery was for anteromedial temporal resection in 74 patients, electrode implantation through the foramen ovale in 10 patients, extratemporal excisions in 7 patients, callosotomy in 3 patients, functional hemispherectomy in 3 patients, implantation of electrode grids in 2 patients, and craniotomy with an awake patient in 3 cases. Complications related to the surgical procedure were intraoperative bradycardia (5 cases), dural tension at the start of surgery (3), bleeding (2) and seizure (1). Complications related to anesthesia were bronchospasm (2 cases), histamine-releasing reaction upon administration of the muscle relaxant (1), and difficult intubation (1). During recovery we saw 1 case of postoperative aphasia, 1 of polyuria, 1 of pulmonary condensation, and 1 of factor VII deficit requiring plasma transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of perioperative complications in surgery for drug-resistant epilepsy is low, the most common complication being self-limiting bradycardia related to surgical maneuvers.

Episodic high irrigation pressure during surgical neuroendoscopy may cause intermittent intracranial circulatory insufficiency.

Intermittent high peak pressure values inside the endoscope during neuroendoscopic surgical procedures are associated with postoperative morbidity. Unexpected delay in awakening is the complication most frequently observed by the anesthesiologist as a result of high peak pressure values inside the endoscope. During eight neuroendoscopic procedures the authors continuously monitored cerebral hemodynamic function, using a transcranial doppler (TCD) probe fixed on patients' temporal window. We observed that episodes of high peak pressure values inside the endoscope during neuroendoscopic navigation rinsing periods resulted in changes in the TCD wave profile consistent with "near intracranial circulatory arrestlike" wave. No systemic hemodynamic warning signs accompanied these intermittent episodes of severe decrease in cerebral perfusion pressure. When the rinsing liquid was allowed to escape, the pressure inside the endoscope decreased and the TCD wave immediately returned to its previous value. Neuroendoscopic procedures, although classified as minimally invasive surgery, warrant special monitoring that could alert us to a decrease in cerebral perfusion pressure. Middle cerebral artery TCD recording is a reliable and accurate tool for this purpose.

[Study of presurgical anxiety in urologic, gynecologic, and ophthalmologic surgery as a function of the administration or non-administration of anxiolytic premedication]. / Estudio de la ansiedad prequirúrgica en cirugía urológica, ginecológica y oftálmica en relación con la administración o no de premedicación ansiolítica.

OBJECTIVE: Anxiety commonly appears before surgery, triggering a set of events that can be described as a general stress response. We measured changes in preoperative stress in relation to premedication or not with diazepam in patients undergoing urologic, gynecologic and ophthalmologic surgery. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We enrolled 87 patients undergoing elective surgery in urology (n = 30), gynecology (n = 30) and ophthalmology (n = 27). Randomly, the patients were premedicated with diazepam, placebo or nothing. During the preoperative visit the patient was administered a test to determine the level of anxiety and blood pressure, heart rate and potassium plasma concentration (K+) the night before surgery and moments before entering the operating theater. RESULTS: No significant differences in anxiety between patients undergoing different types of surgery were detected in the operating theater; however, at that time, anxiety was found to be significantly less among patients premedicated with diazepam than among those given placebo. Preoperative anxiety was significantly less in ophthalmology patients and in those premedicated with diazepam. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased significantly among urologic and ophthalmologic surgery patients and in those who were not premedicated with diazepam regardless of type of surgery. Heart rate did not change significantly. Potassemia decreased significantly in all patients. CONCLUSION: The discrepancy between the psychological and somatic response to the stress conditions studied may be the result of the calming effect of the preoperative visit by the anesthesiologist and to premedication with a tranquilizer. However, neither the preoperative visit nor premedication seem to completely block the stress response.

Anesthetic management of surgical neuroendoscopies: usefulness of monitoring the pressure inside the neuroendoscope.

Neuroendoscopic procedures are increasing in frequency in neurosurgical practice. We describe the anesthetic technique and the perioperative complications found in 100 neuroendoscopic interventions performed at our institution. Cranial tumor biopsy or retrieval (62%) and cisternostomy for hydrocephalus (33%) were the most frequent indications for neuroendoscopy. The mortality rate was low (1%). Intraoperative complications occurred in 36 patients, with arterial hypertension being the most frequent (53%). Postoperative complications occurred in 52 patients; anisocoria (31%) and delayed arousal (29%) were the most frequent. The pressure inside the endoscope was monitored intraoperatively in the last 47 patients. A saline-filled catheter from a pressure transducer connected to the neuroendoscopy system was used for pressure monitoring. We recorded the highest peak of pressure values measured during each procedure. Twenty-three patients (49%) had peak pressure values >30 mm Hg, 12 patients (25%) >50 mm Hg, and 3 patients >100 mm Hg. Only one patient had hemodynamic changes occurring simultaneously with the pressure changes. We found an association between pressure inside the endoscope >30 mm Hg and postoperative (P = .003) but not intraoperative complications. A relationship was found between surgical duration and postoperative complications (P = .002). Neither the pressure inside the endoscope or the intraoperative morbidity were related to surgical duration. We conclude that there may be a high rate of postoperative complications after neuroendoscopies, namely, new neurologic deficits. High pressure levels inside the endoscope during neuroendoscopic procedures can occur without hemodynamic warning signs. Pressure values >30 mm Hg are associated with postoperative morbidity, especially unexpected delayed recovery. Measuring the pressure inside the endoscope is technically easy and might be beneficial if performed in all neuroendoscopic procedures. Reducing the incidence of episodes of high peak pressure values might decrease the rate of postoperative complications.

Unilateral trigeminal and facial nerve palsies associated with epidural analgesia in labour.

PURPOSE: To report a rare complication related to epidural analgesia for obstetrics: the association of unilateral trigeminal and facial nerve palsies in a patient with the clinical syndrome of intracranial hypotension. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 38-yr-old woman was admitted in pre-term labour (at 35 wk gestation). She was receiving 40 mg methadone po daily for opioid addiction. Epidural analgesia for labour was established with 9 ml bupivacaine 0.25%. The patient underwent normal vaginal delivery of a 2500 g female infant. She developed post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) on the third postpartum day which was managed by palliative measures: bed rest (patient's position of choice), increased hydration (water: 3 litres po per day), lysine acetyl salicylate (5.4 g po per day) and caffeine (600 mg po per day). She developed paraesthesiae and numbness of the right side of the face one day after the onset of PDPH and unilateral facial nerve palsy two days later. There was no evidence of dural puncture and no cause was found. Treatment of the nerve palsies with epidural blood patch or epidural dextran 40 was not considered to be indicated. Headache disappeared on the 10th postpartum day and trigeminal palsy regressed. At the time of discharge, on the 17th postpartum day, neurological examination showed minimal facial assimetry. The patient refused further exploration and follow-up. CONCLUSION: Post delivery trigeminal and facial nerve palsy in a 38 yr old woman recovered spontaneously with conservative therapy.