Epidural anesthesia

Epidural anesthesia is regional anesthesia produced by delivering medication into the epidural space around the spinal canal. It blocks nerve signals from selected regions while typically allowing the patient to remain conscious.

Epidural space: The potential space between the spinal canal’s dura mater and its surrounding vertebral canal. Medication is delivered into this space to reach spinal nerve roots.
Labor analgesia: Pain relief provided during labor, often through medication delivered by an epidural catheter. Epidurals can provide adjustable pain relief throughout labor and delivery.
Spinal anesthesia: Regional anesthesia produced by injecting medication into cerebrospinal fluid in the subarachnoid space. It uses a different space and generally a smaller, single injection than an epidural.
Hypotension: Blood pressure lower than the level needed to maintain adequate circulation. An epidural can lower blood pressure by blocking sympathetic nerve activity.
Local anesthetic: A drug that temporarily blocks electrical conduction in nerves, reducing sensation in a targeted area. These drugs provide the principal nerve block in many epidurals.
Cesarean section: Surgical delivery of a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. An epidural may be extended to provide anesthesia for cesarean surgery.
Combined spinal and epidural anesthesia: A technique combining an intrathecal injection with placement of an epidural catheter. It pairs rapid spinal anesthesia with the option to extend the block through an epidural.
Post-dural-puncture headache: A headache caused by leakage of cerebrospinal fluid after a puncture of the dura mater. It can follow accidental dural puncture during epidural placement.
Nerve conduction: The propagation of electrical signals along nerve cells and between them. Epidural drugs reduce pain by interrupting signal transmission in spinal nerves.
Postoperative analgesia: Pain relief provided after an operation. An epidural infusion can reduce pain after selected major surgeries.

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