Epidural Anaesthesia
Introduction
Source: NHS
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Epidural anaesthesia, often referred to as "an epidural", is an injection in the back that numbs the nerves and stops you feeling pain.
Areas that can be numbed by an epidural include the:
- chest
- abdomen
- pelvic area
- legs
How an epidural works
Anaesthetic medicine is injected into an area of the spine known as the epidural space.
The anaesthetic works by numbing pain nerves as they enter the spinal cord.
The extent of the numbness will depend on the type of drug used, and the amount injected. Once the medication has worn off, feeling in the affected areas will return.
However, as with many medical procedures, there are some associated risks that, although small, you should be aware of before deciding whether to have an epidural. Two possible risks include:
- puncture of the dura the toughest, outer layer surrounding the spinal cord and brain; the risk of the dura being punctured is about one in 100
- nerve damage which occurs only very rarely
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Articles for Epidural Anaesthesia
How an epidural is performed
Epidural anaesthetics are given by experienced anaesthetists, who are doctors with specialist training in providing pain relief during medical procedures.
Introduction
Epidural anaesthesia, often referred to as an epidural, is an injection into the back that numbs the lower half of the body and stops any pain being felt.
Side effects and complications of an epidural
There are numerous potential side effects that can occur after having an epidural, including low blood pressure, loss of bladder control and backache.
When an epidural is used
Epidurals can be used to numb sensation and provide pain relief in natural childbirth, during a caeserean section and after some types of surgery.