Is an epidural intrathecal?
Is an epidural intrathecal?
Epidural analgesia is the administration of analgesics into the epidural space. Analgesics can be given either as a single injection or as a continuous infusion via an indwelling catheter. Intrathecal analgesia is the administration of analgesic drugs (as listed above) directly into the CSF in the intrathecal space.
What is an epidural catheter?
An epidural catheter is a very fine plastic catheter (tube), which is placed through the skin into the epidural space within your spinal canal. This temporary catheter is left in place for a defined period of time; several days for most types of surgical pain and up to 6 weeks for certain types of chronic pain.
Can epidural cause problems later?
It’s commonly thought epidurals can cause long-term back pain after birth. According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, there’s no credible evidence having an epidural will lead to permanent back pain. It’s just as common to experience back pain after labor and birth without an epidural.
Does an epidural catheter hurt?
It’s less painful than it looks. There are actually two needles: The first is for a local anesthetic that numbs the area where the epidural will be placed. The second is a larger needle that leads the catheter into the epidural space. The area should be relatively numb by this point, so the discomfort is minimal.
What is an epidural hematoma (EDH)?
An epidural hematoma (EDH) occurs when blood accumulates between the skull and the dura mater, the thick membrane covering the brain. They typically occur when a skull fracture tears an underlying blood vessel.
Why do epidural hematomas usually appear convex in shape?
Epidural hematomas usually appear convex in shape because their expansion stops at the skull’s sutures, where the dura mater is tightly attached to the skull. Thus, they expand inward toward the brain rather than along the inside of the skull, as occurs in subdural hematomas. Most people also have a skull fracture.
What happens if you have an epidural hematoma without treatment?
When this condition occurs in the spine it is known as a spinal epidural hematoma. Treatment is generally by urgent surgery in the form of a craniotomy or burr hole. Without treatment, death typically results. The condition occurs in one to four percent of head injuries.
What is the pathophysiology of epidural hemorrhage?
Epidural hematoma occurs as a result of head trauma and subsequent acute hemorrhage, primarily from the middle meningeal artery between the skull and the dura mater. Typical symptoms are due to compression of the brain and appear after a lucid interval that follows an initial loss of consciousness.
