Epidural and spinal anaesthesia

Aspect

Epidural Anesthesia

Spinal Anesthesia

Needle

Touhy needle

Spinal needle (Quincke, whitacre, sprotte tip)

Definition

Injection of anesthetic into the

epidural space (b/w ligamentum

flavum  and duramater) of the

spinal cord.

Injection of anesthetic into the

subarachnoid space (directly into

the cerebrospinal fluid).

Spinal level

that can be

performed 

Anywhere along the

verteral column 

Lumbar only (mostly below the L2

vertebran; where spinal cord ends)

Location

Epidural space, outside

the dura mater.

Subarachnoid space, inside

the dura mater.

Drug dose 

Larger dose than SA

Smaller dose than EA

Onset of

Action

Slower (10-20 minutes).

Rapid (2-5 minutes).

Duration of

block

Adjustable, prolonged 

Brief, usually 2-4 hours

Redosing

Possible via inserted catheter 

Not possible 

Hypotension

and headache 

No; because there is

no CSF leak

Yes; due to CSF leak


View in web app Open in TCML App