Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of regional anesthetic: A "spinal anaesthetic" is a medical substance that causes loss of sensation. It is administered via an injection into the spinal canal, specifically into the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord. This blocks nerve signals from the lower part of the body.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The surgeon administered a spinal anaesthetic before the knee replacement surgery.
  • A spinal anaesthetic is often preferred for procedures below the waist, such as a cesarean section.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In medical literature, "spinal anaesthetic" refers specifically to the technique (spinal anesthesia) and the drug used for it. It is distinct from an epidural, which is injected into the epidural space outside the spinal cord lining.
  • The study compared the recovery times following a general anesthetic versus a spinal anaesthetic.

Variants and Related Words

• Spinal anesthesia (n): The medical procedure of administering a spinal anaesthetic.
  • The patient opted for spinal anesthesia for the operation.
• Spinal block (n): A common synonym for the effect or the procedure itself.
  • The spinal block was effective, and she felt no pain during the delivery.

Synonyms

• Intrathecal anesthetic: A more technical term emphasizing injection into the spinal canal's fluid-filled space (the intrathecal space).
• Subarachnoid block: Another medical term referring to the injection into the subarachnoid space surrounding the spinal cord.

Related Phrases

• To administer a spinal: A common shorthand phrase in medical settings.
  • The anesthesiologist will administer a spinal in just a few minutes.
• Under a spinal: Refers to being anesthetized via this method.
  • The patient remained awake but comfortable under a spinal.

Noun

1. an anesthetic that is injected into the spine