Spinal Anesthesia: Frequently Asked Questions
Is spinal anesthesia dangerous?
Complications of this technique are no less or greater than other techniques.
Source: www.justeves.com
Spinal anesthesia has long been known to be extremely safe when practiced by skilled practitioners. Permanent paralysis or any damage to the spinal cord or spinal nerves after spinal anesthesia is extremely rare. Spinal anesthesia also has some distinct safety advantages over general anesthesia for certain patients undergoing certain types of procedures. Spinal anesthesia does not cause or exacerbate back pain any more than general anesthesia.
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What is Spinal anesthesia?
Spinal anesthesia is placed in the low back (lumbar region). After a sterile prep and draping, local anesthetic is placed in the skin to numb the area where the Spinal needle will be placed. The Spinal needle passes between the vertebrae of the Spinal column through the dural membrane where the cerebrospinal fluid is located. Once the placement of the needle is accomplished medicines including a local anesthetic and sometimes a narcotic are dispensed via the needle. The needle is then removed. ...
Source: www.aajsc.com
A spinal anesthetic will provide you with a numb sensation from the waist down to your toes. This is done by inserting a very small needle between the bones in your back. A medication is then injected and you will be positioned on the operating table. Most of the time, you will be given some sedation through your I.V. that will assist you in remaining comfortable during surgery. ...
Source: www.westkysurgical.com
What are the advantages of epidural and spinal anesthesia?
This form of anesthesia has a number of excellent advantages. Firstly your brain and heart are not affected to any extent so that you remain awake and there is very little danger of the strength of your heartbeat being diminished. When a Caesarean Section is done in this way the mother can hold and appreciate her baby within minutes of delivery, so that a strong bond is formed between the two. ...
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What are the most common side-effects of epidural and spinal anesthesia?
The most common side effects from epidural and spinal anesthesia are: Itching this is not an allergy, but a common side effect of some of the medication. A decrease in blood pressure this is due to the medications and relief of pain. This is usually counteracted with increased IV fluids and occasionally, medication. For this reason, an IV is placed prior to the epidural. Vital signs of you and your baby will be followed during the epidural anesthetic. ...
Source: www.asmgmd.com
What is spinal anesthesia and how does it differ from an epidural?
With spinal anesthesia, anesthetic is injected into the spinal fluid that surrounds the spinal cord, blocking the transmission of pain signals to the brain. This prevents you from feeling pain. Your body is numb from about the waist down. You can choose to sleep through surgery or remain awake. Spinal anesthesia is an excellent choice for major orthopedic procedures of the knee and hip. With epidural anesthesia, anesthetic is injected into the epidural space, which is just next to the spinal fluid. ...
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Who performs spinal and epidural anesthesia?
Spinal and epidural anesthetics are performed by anesthesiologists (medical doctors with training in anesthesia). Anesthesiologists are present in labor and delivery area of the hospital to provide pain relief, anesthesia for C-sections, and to assist the obstetrician with complex medical problems that may present during labor and delivery.
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Q: What is epidural and spinal anesthesia?
These are two of the common types of regional anesthesia. These anesthetics are used to “numb” the loser half of the body for many surgical procedures. Both types of regional anesthesia involve the placement of a needle, and sometimes a small plastic tube (catheter), into the lower back region. After this is done, local anesthetics are injected to achieve numbness of the desired region. The numbness can last varying amounts of time based upon the amount and the type of anesthetic used. ^ top of page
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What are the risks of Spinal and Epidural anesthesia?
The risks for Spinal and Epidural anesthesia may include low blood pressure, which is the reason the patient is routinely hydrated prior to the placement of either of these forms of anesthesia. Some of the time it is necessary to treat it with medication this is regularly by the anesthesiologist. Postdural puncture headache occurs infrequently with these techniques. The risks is 1% with Epidurals and 3% with Spinals. This is believed to be due to a leak of cerebrospinal fluid from the needle hole in the dura. ...
Source: www.aajsc.com
Q: Is the option of spinal or epidural anesthesia in labor always available?
No, a few patients in labor are not candidates for regional anesthesia, but most are. The reasons that you may not be a candidate for regional anesthesia can include bleeding disorders, certain infections, previous back surgery, or extreme obesity.
Source: www.paamg.net
If I elect to have spinal anesthesia, will I be required to lay flat for 12 hours? Will my risk for post-anesthetic headache or other side effects increase?
Just as there have been great advances in anesthetic medicines, much progress has also been made in delivery of these medications. The risk of side effects has been greatly minimized by refinements in the size and shape of the needles used to administer spinal anesthetics. Bed rest following administration is no longer required, and the chance of post-operative headache and other side effects is equal to or lower than the risks from general anesthesia.
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Q: How are spinal and epidural anesthesia performed? Do they hurt?
You will be monitored during the procedure, and you will have an IV placed before the procedure to insure that you are properly hydrated. Lab work will be performed to be sure that you can have this procedure safely. Sterile drapes and disinfectants will be placed on your lower back. A local anesthetic will be injected with a small needle to numb the area of the procedure. ...
Source: www.paamg.net
I had a terrible headache after a “Spinal Tap” a few years ago; will I have the same problem with Spinal Anesthesia?
A “spinal tap” is usually a diagnostic procedure, which entails the usage of a larger needle and the removal of spinal fluid for laboratory studies. The usage of spinal anesthesia entails the usage of a smaller, special needle, which all but eliminates the occurrence of a headache after spinal anesthesia. If a headache related to the spinal anesthetic would occur, it can be easily diagnosed and treated.
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Q: What is involved in getting spinal or epidural anesthesia? Does it hurt?
First the proper monitors will be placed, such as an EKG and blood pressure cuff. An IV will be placed. You are then placed in a sitting position or on your side and sterile drapes are placed on the lower back. A local anesthetic (numbing medicine) is then placed in the area by the use of a small needle. Once the area is numb, a spinal or epidural needle is then advanced to the proper position while you stay still. ...
Source: www.paamg.net
Q: Do I always have the option of spinal or regional anesthesia?
No, some surgeries are not possible under these types of anesthesia. Other reasons may preclude a patient from regional anesthesia (i.e. certain bleeding disorders and certain infections).
Source: www.paamg.net
If I don't feel anything and don't remember anything during Spinal or Epidural Anesthesia, A: how is that different from General Anesthesia?
General Anesthesia places the brain at a much deeper level of sedation. Usually during General Anesthesia the patient's breathing must be controlled by the Anesthesia provider. This usually requires placement of a breathing tube into the patient's trachea or wind pipe after the patient is anesthetized. During Spinal or Epidural Anesthesia, the patient may be sedated, but is usually breathing spontaneously without assistance. ...
Source: www.foothills-anesthesia.com
