Know the difference

Epidural and spinal anaesthesia are frequently used in childbirth, but it can also be used to help control pain after major surgery to the belly or chest.
Epidural anaesthesia involves the insertion of a hollow needle and a small, flexible catheter into the space between the spinal column and outer membrane of the spinal cord (epidural space) in the middle or lower back.
The area where the needle will be inserted is numbed with a local anaesthetic.
Then the needle is inserted and removed after the catheter has passed through it and remains in place.
The anaesthetic medicine is injected into the catheter to numb the body above and below the point of injection as needed.
The catheter is secured on the back so it can be used again if more medicine is needed.
Spinal anaesthesia is done in a similar way, except the medicine is injected using a much smaller needle, directly into the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the spinal cord.
The area where the needle will be inserted is first numbed with a local anaesthetic.
Then the needle is guided into the spinal canal, and the anaesthetic is injected.
This is usually done without the use of a catheter.
Spinal anaesthesia numbs the body below and sometimes above the site of the injection. The person may not be able to move his or her legs until the anaesthetic wears off.
A headache is the most common side effect of spinal anaesthesia.
It can usually be treated easily.
Headaches are less common with epidural anaesthesia.
You are monitored carefully when receiving epidural or spinal anaesthesia because the anaesthetics can affect the central nervous system, cardiovascular system and respiratory system.
Both spinal and epidural anaesthesia may significantly affect blood pressure, breathing, heartbeat, and other vital functions.