Definition

Noun: - A medical procedure involving injection into the epidural space: An epidural injection is the administration of a substance, typically an anesthetic or steroid medication, into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord. This is performed to produce anesthesia (numbness) for surgical procedures or to deliver medication for pain relief.

Usage

• The primary use of an epidural injection is for pain management, especially during childbirth or for certain types of back pain.
• It describes a specific medical technique, not the medication itself.

Examples

• The patient received an epidural injection to manage pain during labor.
• For his chronic sciatica, the doctor recommended a series of steroid epidural injections.
• The anesthesiologist administered the epidural injection prior to the knee surgery.

Advanced Usage

• Therapeutic epidural injection: Often refers specifically to the injection of corticosteroid medication to reduce inflammation and pain, as opposed to an anesthetic for surgery.
  • The therapeutic epidural injection provided significant relief from her spinal stenosis symptoms.

Variants and Related Words

• Epidural (noun/adjective): Often used as a shorthand for "epidural anesthesia" or "epidural injection."
  • She opted for an epidural during childbirth.
• Epidural anesthesia/analgesia: The state of numbness or pain relief produced by the injection.
• Epidural space: The anatomical area where the injection is administered.

Synonyms

• Epidural block: A synonym emphasizing the blocking of nerve signals.
• Intraspinal injection: A broader term that includes injections into the spinal canal (which encompasses the epidural space).

Related Phrases

• To administer an epidural injection: The action performed by the medical professional.
  • The nurse prepared to administer the epidural injection.
• To get/have an epidural injection: The patient's experience of undergoing the procedure.
  • Many women choose to have an epidural injection for pain control in labor.

Noun

1. injection of an anesthetic substance into the epidural space of the spinal cord in order to produce epidural anesthesia