Epidural - Definition

December 2016


The adjective epidural is associated to the dura mater, one of the three membranes referred to as the meninges that protect the central nervous system, made up of the structures of the brain and spinal cord. An epidural is a type of local anesthetic, where an anesthetic agent is administered to the epidural space, which lies between this membrane and the spinal canal, numbing the nerves and thus causing temporary numbness in an area of the body. An epidural is primarily used to relieve pain experienced during childbirth.


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