Spinal and epidural anesthesia

Alternative Names: Intraspinal anesthesia; Subarachnoid anesthesia; Epidural; Epidural block; Peridural anesthesia

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.

Description of Procedure

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 get 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 is 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 tube (catheter) 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 of Spinal and epidural anesthesia

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

• Allergic reaction to the anesthesia used
• Bleeding around the spinal column (hematoma)
• Difficulty urinating
• Drop in blood pressure
• Infection in your spine (meningitis or abscess)
• Nerve damage
• Seizures (this is rare)
• Severe headache

Review Date: 3/28/2011
Reviewed By: Scott Miller, MD,Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

_{Do not use this information for medical emergencies - Call 911. This information should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should always be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other websites do not constitute endorsements and are provided for information only. Any duplication or distribution of this information is strictly prohibited.
Copyright 2012 A.D.A.M., Inc.}