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  5. Common obstetric problems, intrapartum labour ward
  6. Postpartum Sensory Neurological Deficits (400)
Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits. 

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number.  To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Postpartum Sensory Neurological Deficits (400)

Please report any inaccuracies or issues with this guideline using our online form
  • Assess for associated ‘Red Flags’ (see below) at any time postpartum
  • Sensory symptoms only, at 48 hours postpartum
           follow-up after 3 days by Obstetric/Foundation doctor/GP
  • Persisting sensory symptoms after 5 days postpartum arrange for Neurological referral
  • Inform Anaesthetist if patient has had peripartum epidural/spinal analgesia/anaesthesia
  • Meticulous documentation of events

‘Red Flags’

  • Increasing motor weakness 4 hours after spinal anaesthesia or last epidural top-up of local anaesthetic
  • Radicular pain (shooting/ lancinating pain distributed along the dermatome of a nerve. It may or may not be associated with other neurological features)
  • Urinary retention
  • Urinary/faecal incontinence

Action

  • Contact Anaesthetist immediately
  • Exclude spinal/epidural haematoma/abscess
  • Possible neurosurgical emergency
    consider urgent MRI scan within 6 hours of spinal/ epidural/ combined spinal- epidural procedure.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 31/01/2021

Next review date: 23/11/2025

Author(s): Tom Pettigrew.

Approved By: Obstetrics Clinical Governance Group

Document Id: 400