How Safe Are Epidural Injections?

An epidural injection in New Brunswick is a medication injected into the spinal cord, also known as the epidural space, to provide temporary or lifelong relief from the pain. An epidural injection can be performed to lessen the pain caused by different risk factors such as: 

1. A herniated disc that is causing pain
2. Narrowing of the spinal cord
3. Chronic pain in the leg or back 
4. Injuries to spinal nerves, vertebral, and surrounding tissue 
5. Pointed outgrowth from the bone 

Patients getting the injection are advised not to eat or drink before the procedure to prevent having an upset stomach.

Is it safe? 

An epidural injection is one of the common methods performed by the doctor with minimal invasion in which the patient gets relief from the pain during childbirth or chronic back pain. 

Without affecting the spinal nerves, this method is performed to ensure the patient starts feeling normal within 1 to 5 days of the injection by blocking the transmission and protecting the patient from being rare. 

The epidural injection is relatively safe, but it has some side effects which are temporary and usually tolerable. The infusion can also have mild or severe complications. Severe side effects and complications are rarely observed. 

Some of the common side effects include: 

1. Nausea.
2. Headache. 
3. Dizziness. 
4. Redness of the face. 
5. Fainting due to anxiety. 

 Complications include:

1. Infection: it can occur generally or locally. It may infect the spinal cord or the brain leading to severe complications. 

2. Bleeding: epidural injection can cause damage to an artery leading to blood accumulation within the soft tissue or epidural space. This accumulated blood can later form a blood clot within the artery leading to ischemia of the organ supplied by the artery. 

3. Nerve damage: an epidural Injection can damage a neighboring nerve leading to loss of sensation or seizures. If the base of the spinal cord (it has cauda equina nerves) is damaged, it may lead to cauda equina syndrome. This requires quick medical attention as it can lead to paralysis of the lower body. 

4. Complications related to heart: this is a rare condition but can occur in sensitized patients; this leads to elevated heart rate and blood pressure. 

Although epidural injection is considered to be safe, it has various complications and side effects. Before going for an epidural injection, it is advised to consult a doctor regarding the patient’s health and possible side effects or complications.