Evaluation of the accuracy of vibration sense with VibraTipTM as a tool to determine the level of anesthesia following subarachnoid block and its correlation with the pinprick sensation

Abstract

Background and Aims: Assessment of level of anesthesia after subarachnoid block (SAB) is essential. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of vibration sense as a criteria to determine the level of surgical anesthesia. Method and Materials: The study included patients, scheduled for various surgeries under SAB. The baseline values of vibration sense perception using VibraTipTM, motor power using the modified Bromage scale, and sensory block by pinprick method were recorded preoperatively and at 5 and 7 min after administration of SAB. The correlation between vibration sense, loss of pinprick sensation, and level of anesthesia were assessed. Results: The concordance correlation coefficient between the pinprick and vibration sense at 5 min and 7 min showed poor strength of agreement with Pearson ρ (precision) being 0.4192 at 5 min and 0.4701 at 7 min. Conclusion: Vibration sense serves as a reliable indicator to assess the level of surgical anesthesia following SAB. Vibration sense testing with VibraTipTM along with motor power assessment can be used as a tool for assessment of level of block. There is a poor correlation between level of vibration sense and pinprick.

Keywords

• block height
• spinal anesthesia
• vibration sense