Definition

Noun: A medical technique that causes a loss of feeling (anaesthesia) in a specific, defined area of the body. This is achieved by applying an anaesthetic agent to the cluster of nerves that supply sensation to that target region, blocking pain signals from that area while the patient remains conscious.

Examples of Usage

• The surgery on her foot was performed under regional anaesthesia, so she was awake but felt no pain.
• Regional anaesthesia, such as a spinal block, is commonly used for caesarean sections.
• Compared to general anaesthesia, regional anaesthesia often leads to a faster recovery time.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in contrast to (which numbs a very small, specific spot) and (which renders the patient unconscious). Regional anaesthesia affects a larger area, like an entire limb or the lower half of the body.
• It is frequently discussed in contexts of pain management for surgery, childbirth, or post-operative care.

Variants and Related Words

• Regional anesthesia (noun): The standard spelling in American English.
• Nerve block (noun): A common type of regional anaesthesia where medication is injected near a specific nerve or bundle of nerves.
• Epidural anaesthesia (noun): A form of regional anaesthesia injected into the epidural space of the spine, often used for childbirth and lower body surgery.
• Spinal anaesthesia (noun): A form of regional anaesthesia injected into the cerebrospinal fluid in the spinal canal.

Synonyms

• Conduction anaesthesia
• Nerve block anaesthesia

Related Phrases

• To administer regional anaesthesia: To perform the procedure of applying the anaesthetic.
  • The anaesthesiologist will administer regional anaesthesia before the procedure begins.
• Under regional anaesthesia: Describing the state of a patient undergoing a procedure with this technique.
  • The patient remained comfortable under regional anaesthesia.

Noun

1. loss of sensation in a region of the body produced by application of an anesthetic agent to all the nerves supplying that region (as when an epidural anesthetic is administered to the pelvic region during childbirth)