Sciatic neuropathy after normal vaginal delivery: A case report

Abstract

Postpartum neuropathies of the lower extremities are possible complications after delivery, with an estimated incidence of 1%. There are a few case reports about sciatic neuropathy after a caesarean section. However, a sciatic neuropathy after normal vaginal delivery has not been reported till date. This is a case report of a 30-year-old woman who visited our department with a chief complaint of left lower extremity weakness after normal vaginal delivery (at gestational age of 38 + 5 weeks) one month prior. The delivery took place under epidural anesthesia for about 6 h, with no dystocia or perinatal complications. She was primiparous, with a medical history of gestational diabetes. Physical examination revealed a lower extremity we;2akness (MRC grade III of left ankle plantar flexor) and a paresthesia at the left posterior calf and sole. Magnetic resonance imaging, nerve conduction studies, and electromyography were performed, and a diagnosis of left sciatic neuropathy proximal to the branch to the biceps femoris muscle was made. After 3 months, her motor weakness and paresthesia resolved spontaneously. In addition, the follow-up nerve conduction studies and electromyography confirmed a near complete recovery of the left sciatic neuropathy. In conclusion, sciatic neuropathy can occur after normal vaginal delivery even without dystocia and perinatal complications. The sciatic neuropathy in the case presented here had a good prognosis.

Keywords: Peripheral nerve injuries; Postpartum period; Sciatic neuropathy.