Neuraxial Anesthesia
Umbrella term for regional anesthetic techniques that involve the central nervous system, including spinal and epidural anesthesia.
Full Definition
Neuraxial anesthesia encompasses all anesthetic techniques that involve direct application of local anesthetic agents to the central nervous system structures within the spinal column. This includes spinal anesthesia (subarachnoid block), epidural anesthesia, and combined spinal-epidural techniques. In obstetrics, neuraxial anesthesia is the preferred method for pain management during labor and for cesarean deliveries due to its superior safety profile compared to general anesthesia. These techniques allow mothers to remain conscious during delivery while providing excellent pain relief and surgical conditions. Contraindications include coagulopathy, infection at the insertion site, severe hypovolemia, and certain spinal abnormalities.
Usage
Usage note: Use as umbrella term for spinal and epidural techniques.
In Context
- "Neuraxial anesthesia was chosen over general anesthesia for the planned cesarean delivery." — Anesthetic plan documentation
- "The patient's coagulopathy contraindicated neuraxial anesthesia techniques." — Pre-operative assessment