Epidural Anesthesia
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about epidural anesthesia:
Epidural anesthesia is medicine used to numb you so you do not feel pain during surgery. The medicine is injected into your lower back. You may be numb to your waist or to your nipple line, depending on what kind of surgery you have. You may need this for childbirth or for pelvis or leg surgery.
How to prepare to receive epidural anesthesia:
You may not have time to prepare. If you do have time to prepare, your surgeon will tell you how.
- Tell your healthcare provider if you or anyone in your family has ever had problems with anesthesia.
- If you smoke, your surgeon will instruct you to stop at least 24 hours before you have anesthesia.
- You may be told not to eat or drink anything for 8 hours before you receive the epidural. Arrange to have someone drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours.
- Tell your surgeon about all your current medicines. He or she will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the surgery, and when to stop. He or she will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of surgery.
- Tell your surgeon about any allergies you have, including to anesthesia or medicines. You may be given an antibiotic to help prevent a bacterial infection.
What will happen when you receive epidural anesthesia:
Your healthcare provider will put a catheter (small tube) into your back. Your lower body will be numb. You may be able to move your legs, but you should not feel pain. It may take 10 or 20 minutes before you feel numb from the anesthesia.
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What to expect after you receive epidural anesthesia:
The catheter will stay in place to provide more medicine if you need it. You will be taken to a room where you can rest until the numbness goes away. You may have nausea or feel dizzy for a short time after your procedure.
Risks of epidural anesthesia:
You may have a severe headache after the procedure. You may have an allergic reaction to the anesthesia. You may have bleeding in your spine. Your blood pressure may go too low, or you may have a seizure. The medicine could make you numb above your waist. This may cause nausea or breathing problems. You may have trouble urinating. The anesthesia may cause nerve damage. This may lead to long-lasting numbness or pain. You may develop meningitis (a brain infection). This can be life-threatening.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have trouble breathing.
- Your heartbeat is slower than usual.
- You have a seizure.
Seek care immediately if:
- You have a severe headache along with a fever and stiff neck.
- You develop hives or swelling.
Call your doctor or surgeon if:
- You have a new or worsening headache, or pain that does not get better with pain medicine.
- You have trouble urinating.
- You have constipation that lasts longer than 3 days.
- You have questions or concerns about epidural anesthesia.
Medicines:
Your healthcare provider may recommend the following to relieve a headache:
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
- Bathe carefully. You may be able to shower the same day as your procedure. Do not take a bath or swim until your healthcare provider says it is okay.
- Drink more liquid. Liquids help prevent a headache caused by dehydration. Do not drink alcohol. Caffeine may help relieve a headache. Limit the amount of caffeine you have. For example, have 1 small cup of coffee. Wait 30 minutes to see if the caffeine helps your headache before you have more coffee. Too much caffeine can cause a headache or make it worse.
- Ask when you can drive. Your healthcare provider will tell you when it is safe for you to drive.
- Limit activity as directed. You may need to do light activities for up to 6 weeks after you have epidural anesthesia. Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds until your healthcare provider says it is okay.
Follow up with your doctor or surgeon as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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