Epidural administration is a method of medication delivery in which a medicine is injected into the epidural space around the spinal cord, typically through a catheter left in place for the duration of treatment. Physicians and nurse anesthetists use the epidural route to give local anesthetic agents, analgesics, diagnostic agents such as radiocontrast media, and other medicines including glucocorticoids. The technique of intentional epidural administration was first described in 1921 by the Spanish military surgeon Fidel Pages.
Facts
FAQs
When is an epidural used?
Mainly for pain relief in labor, cesareans and surgery, and sometimes for back or leg pain from sciatica or a slipped disc.
The NHS lists three main settings: during labor and childbirth, including cesareans, during some types of surgery, and after some types of surgery. A steroid medicine can also be given with an epidural injection to treat back or leg pain caused by sciatica or a slipped disc.
Can a woman walk around during labor with an epidural?
Sometimes, if a mobile epidural with a lower dose of medicine is used.
Sometimes. The NHS notes that mobile epidurals, which use a lower dose of pain relief medicines, are sometimes used in childbirth and allow a woman to walk around during labor. With a standard epidural the chest, tummy and legs may feel numb and the legs may not feel as strong as usual.
Connections
Treats
Source Epidural Administration (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
2. Epidural administration (Wikipedia)
- Technique first described in 1921 by Fidel Pages, article intro
Lead section
Epidural administration (from Ancient Greek ἐπί, "upon" + dura mater) is a method of medication administration in which a medicine is injected into the epidural space around the spinal cord.
View the SourceEpidural Administration (Wikipedia)
WikipediaTreats: Pain, Lead: treats PainQuote, Treats: Pain, Lead: treats Pain
For this reason, epidurals are commonly used for pain control during childbirth and surgery, for which the technique is considered safe and effective, and is considered more effective and safer than giving pain medication by mouth or through an intravenous line.
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