Regional Anaesthesia

Question 1

What is the difference between spinal and epidural anaesthesia in terms of level?

Answer 1

Spinal: L3 or L4
Epidural: can be done at any level

Question 2

What is the difference between spinal and epidural anaesthesia in terms of injection site?

Answer 2

Spinal: Subarachnoid space (between arachnoid and pia mater into CSF )
Epidural: epidural space (between ligamentum flavum and dura mater)

Question 3

What is the difference between spinal and epidural anaesthesia in terms of identification of site?

Answer 3

Spinal: when CSF appears
Epidural: using loss of resistance technique

Question 4

What is the difference between spinal and epidural anaesthesia in terms of onset?

Answer 4

Spinal rapid (2-5 min)
Epidural: slower (15-20 min)

Question 5

What is the difference between spinal and epidural anaesthesia in terms of technique??

Answer 5

Spinal: usually one shot
Epidural: infusion or repeated top-up

Question 6

What is the difference between spinal and epidural anaesthesia in terms of hypotension?

Answer 6

Spinal: universal
Epidural: uncommon