Epidurální

Epidurální refers to the epidural space, a region surrounding the dura mater, one of the membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord. This space is a potential space, meaning it normally contains very little or no substance, but can be expanded. In clinical practice, the term epidural is most commonly associated with epidural anesthesia or analgesia, a regional anesthetic technique.

During an epidural procedure, a local anesthetic or opioid medication is injected into the epidural space, typically in the lower back. This medication blocks nerve signals, causing numbness and pain relief in the lower part of the body. Epidural anesthesia is frequently used during childbirth to manage labor pain and is also employed for surgical procedures below the waist, such as orthopedic surgery on the legs or abdomen.

The epidural space is anatomically situated between the dura mater and the bony vertebral canal. It contains loose areolar tissue, blood vessels, and lymphatics. The administration of medication into this space allows it to bathe the spinal nerve roots as they exit the dura, effectively interrupting pain transmission. While generally considered safe, potential complications can include headache, low blood pressure, and, rarely, infection or nerve damage. The effectiveness and safety of epidural techniques are well-established in medical literature.