Deep Cervical Plexus Vertebral Artery Risk — FRCA Primary MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardAnatomyDeep Cervical Plexus Vertebral Artery RiskFRCA Primary

The deep cervical plexus block carries a risk of which specific complication due to proximity to the vertebral artery and spinal cord?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Intravascular injection into the vertebral artery causing seizures and/or high spinal block

Deep cervical plexus block carries risks of: vertebral artery injection (seizures / stroke) / intrathecal injection (high/total spinal) / phrenic nerve palsy (~100% ipsilateral) / recurrent laryngeal nerve block / and Horner's syndrome. Due to these risks many centres prefer superficial cervical plexus block combined with surgeon-administered local infiltration for carotid endarterectomy.

Reference: RCoA 2021 Primary FRCA Curriculum