Cddft.nhs.uk
Further Information
For further information on this subject please contact the labour ward where you were treated
Darlington Memorial Hospital
Labour ward 01325 743449
University Hospital North Durham
Labour ward 0191 3332908
cddft.nhs.uk.
Glossary
Epidural space– a space very close to the spinal cord which can be injected into provide pain relief.
Epidural Catheter – a fine plastic tube left in the back and used to give pain relief during your labour or caesarean section.
Spinal injection – a ‘once only’ injection into the fluid around the spinal cord which provides pain relief.
Reference
NAP3 - Major Complications of Central Neuraxial Block in the United Kingdom – Report and Findings. Royal College of Anaesthetists. London. 2009.
Publication Date: October 2017
Review Date: October 2020
Responsibility for review: Acute Pain Service and Obstetricians
Leaflet reference: PIL/CG/0349
Version: 2.0
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Introduction
Epidural infusions or spinal injections are used for pain relief during labour or caesarean section. Spinal injections last for a few hours. Epidural infusions may be used during labour or caesarean section. The epidural space is very close to the spinal cord. Serious complications from epidural / spinal injection are very rare (1:10,000). Very occasionally after an epidural or spinal injection, a collection of pus or blood can cause pressure on the spinal cord. If this happens it is vital to diagnose and treat it as quickly as possible. Expert hospital doctors must diagnose this to prevent delay in treatment and long lasting damage.
This leaflet tells you what symptoms to look for and what action to take if you think that you have a problem.
What are the signs and symptoms?
• Headache, double vision or sensitivity to light
• Redness, pus, tenderness or pain at the injection site
• High temperature, neck stiffness
• Numbness or weakness in your legs/unable to weight-bear
• Difficulty passing water/ incontinence of faeces
Will I be assessed before removal of the epidural catheter?
At the end of your treatment, the team of doctors nurses and midwives looking after you will examine you. This is to make sure that you have no numbness or weakness in your legs. They will ask you to move your legs. This is to make sure that the sensation in your legs is the same as it was before your delivery or caesarean section.
What if complications happen after removal of the epidural catheter and I’m still in hospital?
If you have altered sensation following your spinal or epidural, you can discuss this with the staff looking after you.
Once your epidural has been stopped you should regain normal sensation and power in your legs within a few hours. The midwives will monitor the movement in your legs even after the epidural infusion has finished. If you develop any of the signs and symptoms listed while you are still in hospital, speak to the midwife in charge. Explain your concerns and ask the midwife to contact the on-call anaesthetist immediately. The midwife in charge will know how to do this.
What if complications arise after I have gone home?
If you are at home and begin to experience any of the signs and symptoms listed above, you must seek expert advice immediately. Attend your nearest Labour ward with a copy of this leaflet. Explain your symptoms and ask to be seen by the on-call anaesthetist.
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Maternity
Patient instructions after
epidural / spinal injection
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