A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  R  S  T  U  V  W  Z

Spinal and epidural anesthesia

Definition

Spinal and epidural anesthesia are medicines that numb parts of your body to block pain. They are given through shots in or around the spine. You will stay awake during both of these types of anesthesia.

Alternative Names

Intraspinal anesthesia; Subarachnoid anesthesia; Epidural; Epidural block; Peridural anesthesia

Description

The area of your back where the needle will be inserted will be cleaned with a special solution. Most of the time this shot will go in your lower back. This area may also be numbed with a local anesthetic. You may receive fluids through an intravenous line (IV, in a vein). You may also receive medicine to help you relax.

For an epidural:

  • The doctor will inject medicine just outside of the sac of fluid around your spinal cord. This called the epidural space.
  • The medicine numbs, or "blocks" feeling in a certain part of your body so that you cannot feel pain. The medicine begins to take effect in about 10 to 20 minutes. It works well for longer procedures. Women often have epidurals during childbirth.
  • A small catheter (tube) is often left in place. You can receive more medicine through the catheter to help control your pain during or after your procedure.

For a spinal:

  • The anesthesiologist will inject medicine into the fluid in your spinal cord. This is usually done only once, so you will not need to have a catheter placed.
  • The medicine begins to take effect right away. It works well for shorter and simpler procedures.

Oxygen levels in your blood, your pulse, and your blood pressure will be checked during your procedure. You will have a bandage where the needle was inserted.

Risks

Spinal and epidural anesthesia are generally safe. Ask your doctor about these complications.

  • Severe headache
  • Drop in blood pressure
  • Nerve damage
  • Infection in your spine (meningitis or abscess)
  • Allergic reaction to the anesthesia used
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Bleeding around the spinal column (hematoma)
  • Seizures (this is rare)
Review Date: 3/17/2009
Reviewed By: Billy K Huh, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Management, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.