Description

What is selective epidural injection/ block? There is an space in the spinal canal which is occupied by the spinal cord, remaining space surrounding the spinal cord or nerves is the epidural space. Therefore the medicine injected into this space spreads directly around the nerves and provide direct effect. In selective injection we directly put the medicine over the nerve which is compressed or inflammed(swollen). Therefore swelling in the nerve is subsided and patient gets direct relief in pain caused by this nerve. Compression over the nerve is not affected by this procedure and that remains as it is. When this block should be given? This procedure is not indicated in every patient of slip disc/ sciatica/ spinal stenosis. Usually this procedure is indicated in a patient who has small disc prolapse/ herniation/ slip disc and his pain is not controlled with atleast 6 weeks or lesser period of medicines. When it should not be given? 1.Cauda equina syndome( involvement of bowel and bladder) 2.In a large disc prolapse with a potential to cause cauda equina syndrome 3.Severe spinal stenosis. What are side effects of this procedure? Usually there are no side effects in trained hands. If the medicine goes into a blood vessel of the nerve it may cause weakness. If the injection has been given in a above-mentioned contraindicated patient it may cause cauda equina syndrome.

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