iatrogenic meningitis after spinal anesthesia

bacterial meningitis after spinal and epidural anesthesia is a very rare but serious complication. we report a case of meningitis developing a number of hours after a spinal block for caesarean section. no organism was grown but the csf pattern was suggestive of bacterial meningitis. severe neurological sequelae were present after three months of hospitalization. meningitis is a serious complication and its early diagnosis and effective treatment is essential. meningitis should always be considered as a possible differential diagnosis in patients suspected of having post spinal headache, convulsion and changes in mental statues. a thorough knowledge and practice of aseptic techniques is crucial in performing spinal and epidural anesthesia.