What are complications of epidural anesthesia?

Side effects Epidural

• Low blood pressure. It’s normal for your blood pressure to fall a little when you have an epidural.
• Loss of bladder control.
• Itchy skin.
• Feeling sick.
• Inadequate pain relief.
• Headache.
• Slow breathing.
• Temporary nerve damage.

How is an epidural anesthesia performed?

If you choose to have an epidural, a physician anesthesiologist will insert a needle and a tiny tube, called a catheter, in the lower part of your back. The needle is removed and the catheter left in place for delivery of the medication through the tube as needed.

What is the definition epidural?

Definition of epidural (Entry 2 of 2) : an injection of a local anesthetic into the space outside the dura mater of the spinal cord in the lower back region to produce loss of sensation especially in the abdomen or pelvic region.

What level of the spine is an epidural placed?

Epidural anesthesia can be performed at any level of the vertebral column, and the choice of placement depends on the desired anesthetic level. In contrast, spinal anesthesia is usually performed below L2 to avoid injury of the spinal cord.

Where is epidural inserted?

A needle is used to insert a fine plastic tube called an epidural catheter into your back (spine) near the nerves that carry pain messages to your brain. The needle is then removed, leaving just the catheter in your spine.

Is epidural anesthesia safe?

Epidurals are usually safe, but there are risks of certain side effects and complications. Although rare, risks and complications that apply to all types of epidural procedures include: Having low blood pressure, which can make you feel lightheaded. Experiencing a severe headache caused by spinal fluid leakage.

What is the long term side effect of epidural?

While it’s very rare, having an epidural procedure can lead to some long-term complications, including: Permanent neurologic deficit due to spinal cord or nerve root damage from the epidural injection. Chronic pain due to due to spinal cord or nerve root damage from the epidural injection.

Can you get back pain years after epidural?

Is back pain a side effect of an epidural? There’s a common belief that having an epidural will lead to back pain. But according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, there’s no credible evidence that having an epidural will lead to permanent back pain.

Can an epidural cause back pain years later?

There’s a common belief that having an epidural will lead to back pain. But according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, there’s no credible evidence that having an epidural will lead to permanent back pain.

When is epidural given?

Epidurals are the best option available for relieving labor pain. An epidural can be given at any time during the labor process. While you are sitting up an anesthesiologist will first numb your skin and then insert a needle and a tiny tube (called a catheter) into the lower part of your back.

Can epidural cause death?

59 Overall, life-threatening reactions occur for around one in 4,000 women. 60–63 Death associated with an obstetric epidural is very rare,64 but can be caused by cardiac or respiratory arrest, or by an epidural abscess that develops days or weeks afterward.