Wk11 Epidural Presentation

Question 1

What is in an epidural?

Answer 1

• Epidurals can contain both a local anaesthetic and an opioid.
• Depends on what you are using the epidural for e.g surgical procedures or labour.
• The location of the needle influences how much of the body is effected.
• Three local anaesthetics are commonly used:
  ○ Lidocaine
  ○ Bupivacaine
  ○ Ropivacaine

Question 2

Sensory and Motor Blockage

Answer 2

Local anaesthetics cause motor blockage whereas opioids do not.
The combination of local anaesthetics and opioids used changes the amount of sensory or motor block.
The different combinations are used in different situations.

Question 3

What is the location for where the epidural is given?

Answer 3

● L2-L5
● Subcutaneous 
● Intrathecal
● Subdural
● Intravascular

Question 4

What are possible complications from an epidural?

Answer 4

Common

  Low Blood Pressure
Loss of bladder control
Permanent nerve damage
   Itchy skin
Temporary nerve damage
 Headache
  Feeling sick
Infection 
Slow breathing
 Inadequate pain relief

Rare

Fits (convulsions)
Death
Severe breathing difficulties