Persistent Hiccups as a Potential Complication after Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection Should be Included in the Consent Form: A Case Discussion

Abstract

Persistent hiccups or Singultus (duration more than 48 hours) are a rare complication after epidural steroid injections. The literature on this subject is limited to a few case reports, and the exact mechanism is still unknown. This case, to our knowledge, reports the first case of persistent hiccups following an interlaminar lumbar epidural steroid injection of non-Particulate type. It was performed for the treatment of chronic pain due to lumbar radiculopathy, in a male patient in his early 30s. As the etiopathology and associated patient-related factors of this bothersome complication are not fully understood, and the number of interventional pain procedures is on the rise, anesthesiologists and pain physicians must anticipate this complication regardless of the age, site, and composition of epidural injection. Such potential complications should be included in the relevant informed consent.