Shivering during Spinal Anesthesia: A Review Article

Abstract

Background: Shivering is one of the most commonly recognized complications during spinal anesthesia. This shivering leads to patient discomfort, increased oxygen consumption by up to 600%, and potential surgical complications. Effective prevention and treatment of this shivering are essential to ensure patient well-being. The purpose of this review article is to through the light on definition of shivering, the incidence of shivering during spinal anesthesia, the onset of shivering, the causes of shivering, the risk factors of shivering, the factors that predispose to perioperative hypothermia, the types of shivering in surgical patients, methods of diagnosis of shivering, grading of shivering, the adverse effects of shivering, preventive and curative measures for shivering in surgical patients. Conclusions: Shivering during spinal anesthesia remains a significant concern. It can be prevented and treated by using variety of non-pharmacological and pharmacological measures.