Epidural Anaesthetic
An epidural anaesthetic can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief both during and after an operation or procedure.
An epidural anaesthetic (or epidural) involves injecting local anaesthetics and other painkillers into the epidural space (an area near your spinal cord). This numbs your nerves to give pain relief in certain areas of your body. An epidural can be used either on its own while you are awake, or together with sedation or a general anaesthetic. An epidural can also be used after an operation or procedure to give effective pain relief.
A fine catheter (tube) is inserted in the epidural space, near your spinal cord. Local anaesthetics and other painkillers are injected down the catheter into the epidural space to numb your nerves.
The epidural can be maintained by giving extra doses or by giving a continuous low dose (an infusion).
To insert the epidural catheter, your anaesthetist will ask you to either sit up or lie on your side.
Your anaesthetist will insert the epidural catheter using a needle.
Your anaesthetist will inject a small amount of anaesthetic through the catheter to check the position. Once they have completed this check, they will give more of the anaesthetic until the epidural is working properly.
The effect of the epidural can be varied by changing the type and amount of medication given. The more anaesthetic you are given, the more numb you will be.
An epidural can affect your reactions. Do not drive, operate machinery or do any potentially dangerous activities (this includes cooking) until you have fully recovered feeling, movement and co-ordination.
There is a risk of significant permanent harm from an epidural.
- Failure of the epidural
- Low blood pressure
- Headache
- Respiratory depression, where your breathing slows down too much
- Itching
- Difficulty passing urine
- Temporary leg weakness
- Backache
- Seizures
- Unexpected high block, if the local anaesthetic spreads beyond the intended area
- Infection around your spine
- Cardiovascular collapse (where your heart stops)
- Nerve damage
- Blood clot around your spine
- Damage to nerves supplying your bladder and bowel
- Paralysis or death
A complication may happen after the epidural has been removed.
- Pus, redness, tenderness or pain
- A high temperature
- Feeling unwell
- Discomfort when in a bright room or sunlight
- Neck stiffness
- Difficulty moving or feeling your legs
- Difficulty passing urine
- Bowel incontinence
Consultants who provide this treatment
Any further questions?
We will not contact you for any other reason than to respond to the question or information you request in this form.
For information about how your personal data may be processed please see our Privacy Policy.
This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice your healthcare team gives you. This information is published under license from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print, download or otherwise reproduce it.
What to do next
- Talk to us about ways to pay, either insured or self-pay, and find out if you need a referral from your doctor.
- If you need one, ask your doctor for a referral letter.
- To book an appointment with a consultant you can either call us, email us, or book online if you are self-paying for your treatment.
- Currently, not all Consultants are available for Self-Pay Online Booking. Please contact us directly if you do not see the consultant/service you are looking for and would like to make a booking.
Cancellation Policy
Funding your treatment
Find out more about getting started with private health insurance.
Find out more about our self-pay options.
Find out more about financing your treatment.