Spinal Narcotics and Central Nervous System Depression

Summary A case of central nervous system depression which developed 7 hours after an intrathecal injection of 4 mg of morphine is described. The patient lapsed into coma with bradypnoea and ‘pin-point’ pupils and there was no response to naloxone 0·4 mg. Treatment was continued for 3 hours. No postoperative analgesics were required for 126 hours. The problems associated with the use of intrathecal opiates are reviewed, delay in onset being the usual feature. Use of hyperbaric solutions of the narcotic and maintenance of a head-up posture may protect against respiratory depression.