Spinal Anesthesia
Anesthetic technique involving injection of local anesthetic directly into the cerebrospinal fluid of the subarachnoid space.
Full Definition
A neuraxial anesthetic technique where local anesthetic is injected directly into the cerebrospinal fluid within the subarachnoid space of the spinal canal. In obstetrics, spinal anesthesia is frequently used for planned cesarean deliveries, providing rapid onset of dense motor and sensory blockade. The technique involves a single injection through a fine needle, typically at the L3-L4 or L4-L5 level. Spinal anesthesia offers excellent surgical conditions with minimal maternal drug exposure, making it ideal for operative deliveries when general anesthesia is not indicated.
Usage
Usage note: Often confused with epidural anesthesia in lay documentation.
In Context
- "Spinal anesthesia was administered with 12 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine for the scheduled cesarean section." — Operative report
- "The patient developed transient neurologic symptoms following spinal anesthesia." — Post-operative complication note