Epidurals provide pain relief in a variety of circumstances, including spinal or genital surgery, but are most commonly associated with labor and birth. According to the American Pregnancy Association, over 50 percent of women giving birth choose an epidural for pain relief. Side effects are uncommon, but they do exist. However, due to the high use of epidurals and amount of study done on this form of pain relief, doctors and scientists have developed methods of preventing, mitigating and treating most epidural side effects.
Description
An epidural nerve block is a type of anesthesia placed into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord to provide regional pain relief for everything below the level at which the epidural is inserted. A needle is inserted into the spinal column and a catheter threaded into the space to provide continuous administration of the anesthetic. A dose of epidural anesthetic typically begins working in 10 to 15 minutes and provides pain relief for one to two hours. Subsequent doses can be given through the catheter if necessary.
Minor Problems
A common problematic side effect experienced by people who have an epidural is soreness or itching at the insertion site. Shivering, ringing of the ears and nausea are other potential mild side effects. These symptoms typically resolve themselves within a few days after the procedure.
Major Effects
Some people who have an epidural develop severe headaches, caused by a leakage of spinal fluid through a hole in the lining of the spinal cord. Blood pressure may drop rapidly when an epidural is administered, necessitating an immediate medical response to restore blood pressure levels. In rare cases, a person may experience permanent nerve damage or paralysis of the lower limbs as a result of an epidural nerve block. An infection may also develop in the spinal column, creating an abscess or causing meningitis. Some people have an allergic reaction to the specific drugs used in the epidural.
Treatment
Many of the side effects of an epidural can be treated or mitigated. An electrolyte solution given via IV can prevent a drop in blood pressure or a vasopressor can be administered to raise already dropping pressure, according to American Family Physician. For an epidural-induced headache, a procedure can be done to inject a small amount of the individual's blood into the space where the hole or tear is located along the spinal column lining, effectively sealing the leak and stopping the headache.
Considerations
An epidural has fewer side effects than general anesthesia and allows the patient to remain awake during the procedure, making this type of pain relief popular for birth. According to the American Pregnancy Association, only 1 percent of people with epidurals develop severe headaches from epidurals.
