Epidural administration
Epidural administration is a medical procedure that involves the injection of medication into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord. It is a common method for delivering local anesthetic agents, analgesics, diagnostic medicines like radiocontrast agents, and other drugs such as glucocorticoids. The technique, first described in 1921 by Spanish military surgeon Fidel Pagés, has become a cornerstone of modern anesthesia and pain management, especially in childbirth and surgical interventions.
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
The epidural space is a potential space between the dura mater and the vertebral wall, containing fat and small blood vessels. Medications administered here can directly affect the nerve roots that emerge from the spinal cord, resulting in regional analgesia or anesthesia. The precise mechanism of action varies depending on the specific medication used.
Procedure[edit | edit source]
Epidural administration involves the careful placement of a catheter into the epidural space, usually under local anesthesia. The location of the injection depends on the area to be affected. For childbirth and lower body procedures, the catheter is often inserted in the lumbar region. Once in place, the catheter may remain for the duration of the treatment, allowing for continuous or intermittent administration of medication.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Over 50% of childbirths in the United States involve the use of epidural anesthesia, providing pain relief during labor and delivery. It is also frequently used in surgeries of the lower body and legs, including hip and knee replacements. Additionally, epidural administration can be used for diagnostic purposes, as in the case of injecting radiocontrast agents for an epidurogram, or for therapeutic purposes, such as administering glucocorticoids in certain cases of severe back pain.
Risks and Complications[edit | edit source]
While generally considered safe, epidural administration is not without potential risks and complications. These can include infection at the site of injection, bleeding into the epidural space, difficulty urinating, low blood pressure, and, in rare cases, a severe headache caused by leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. Serious complications such as nerve damage or paralysis are extremely rare.
Epidural administration Resources | ||
---|---|---|
|
|
Translate to: East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Admin, Prab R. Tumpati, MD