Spinal anesthetic

Spinal Anesthetic

A Spinal Anesthetic also known as Spinal Block is a type of anesthesia that is used to block pain from an area of the body. This is achieved by injecting an anesthetic medicine into the subarachnoid space, which is the area surrounding the spinal cord.

History

The first spinal anesthetic was administered in 1885 by James Leonard Corning, an American neurologist. He discovered that injecting cocaine into the spinal canal could produce anesthesia.

Procedure

The procedure for administering a spinal anesthetic involves the patient either sitting up or lying on their side. A needle is then inserted into the lower back, specifically into the subarachnoid space. The anesthetic medicine is then injected, which numbs the lower half of the body.

Uses

Spinal anesthetics are commonly used for surgeries of the lower abdomen, pelvis, rectum, or legs. They are also used for procedures such as labor and delivery, and certain types of biopsy.

Risks and Complications

While spinal anesthetics are generally safe, they do carry some risks. These can include headache, nausea, low blood pressure, and in rare cases, damage to the nerves or spinal cord.

See Also

• Epidural Anesthesia
• General Anesthesia
• Local Anesthesia