What is the difference between epidural and intrathecal?
Epidural analgesia is the administration of analgesics into the epidural space. Analgesics can be given either as a single injection or as a continuous infusion via an indwelling catheter. Intrathecal analgesia is the administration of analgesic drugs (as listed above) directly into the CSF in the intrathecal space.
What is an epidural infusion?
A continuous epidural infusion is the placement of a temporary catheter into your spine used as a short screening trial for the intrathecal pump (“spinal pain pump”). This allows patients to use a much lower dose of medication to control their pain, therefore reducing side effects.
How is epidural infusion given?
An epidural infusion is a way of giving pain medicine. The medicine is given through a small tube called a catheter into the epidural space. The epidural space goes from the bottom of the skull to the tip of the tailbone. While your child is asleep, the doctor will put a catheter into your child’s back.
How long is epidural tubing good for?
Epidural infusions are usually run for 2-3 days and rarely for longer than 5 days.
What are common side effects of giving intrathecal or epidural opiates?
The four classic side effects are pruritus, nausea and vomiting, urinary retention, and respiratory depression. Numerous other side effects have also been described. Most side effects are dose-dependent and may be more common if the opioid is administered intrathecally.
Is intraspinal the same as intrathecal?
THE term intraspinal refers to the spaces or potential spaces surrounding the spinal cord or the nerve roots that constitute the cauda equina. Most often, the term is used when referring to the epidural and intrathecal spaces, each of which offers a route of administration for medications.
Why would an epidural infusion be used?
Continuous epidural infusion is often used to treat pain after surgery. It is often put into place before a surgery. It can stay in place for the first few days of recovery. An epidural is also used when it may give better pain relief than pain medicines taken by mouth (oral) or put into a vein.
How painful is childbirth with an epidural?
Epidural is one of the most effective methods for pain relief during delivery and childbirth, and it has minimal side effects on both mom and baby. It works quickly and can begin to relieve pain within 10 to 20 minutes . Most women who have an epidural feel little or no pain during labor and delivery.
When is epidural given during labor?
Typically, you can receive an epidural as early as when you are 4 to 5 centimeters dilated and in active labor. Normally, it takes about 15 minutes to place the epidural catheter and for the pain to start subsiding and another 20 minutes to go into full effect.
How painful is epidural labor?
With an epidural, you might be able to feel contractions — they just won’t hurt — and you’ll be able to push effectively. There is some evidence that epidurals can speed the first stage of labor by allowing the mother to relax.
Can you get an epidural at 7 cm?
When can you get an epidural? Typically, you can receive an epidural as early as when you are 4 to 5 centimeters dilated and in active labor. Normally, it takes about 15 minutes to place the epidural catheter and for the pain to start subsiding and another 20 minutes to go into full effect.
What is intrathecal therapy?
Listen to pronunciation. (IN-truh-THEE-kul KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee) Treatment in which anticancer drugs are injected into the fluid-filled space between the thin layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord.
What are the advantages of continuous epidural or intrathecal infusion?
Two advantages of continuous epidural or intrathecal infusion are (1) the peaks and valleys of pain relief with bolus injections are eliminated and (2) the need for multiple injections is reduced.
What is the difference between epidural pumps and IV pumps?
Design pumps used to administer epidural medications in a way that clearly differentiates them from pumps used to administer IV infusions. Provide more commercially available epidural medications in ready-to-use, bar-coded containers that look different than IV medication containers.
What can a registered nurse do with an epidural catheter?
With a valid order from an authorized provider, the registered nurse may: Administer and monitor medication infused through an epidural catheter at the rate prescribed; Increase or decrease the infusion rate; Continue the infusion by replacing a bag or syringe with a pharmacy prepared solution containing the identical medication;
What can be done to prevent mix-ups between epidural and IV infusions?
Heighten awareness of the risk for mix-ups between epidural and IV infusions among clinical staff. Educate staff who prescribe, dispense, and care for patients receiving bupivacaine to recognize and manage toxicity using the established resuscitation protocol.