epidural abscess

epidural abscess,

a disorder characterized by inflammation and a collection of pus between the dura mater of the brain and skull, or between the dura mater of the spinal cord and the vertebral canal. It is called an intracranial epidural abscess if the infection is inside the skull. The infection is usually caused by a bacterium such as Staphylococcus, but it can also be secondary to a fungal or viral infection, which can occur secondary to a chronic ear or sinus infection, a penetrating head injury, or mastoiditis. Fever, headache, and neurologic symptoms are common.

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epidural

pertaining to or emanating from the dura mater.

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epidural abscess

see brain abscess, spinal abscess.

epidural anesthesia

produced by injecting local anesthetic agent into the epidural space of the spinal canal at the first or second intercoccygeal space. Injection of a small amount of anesthetic agent produces anesthesia of the perineum without paralysis of the hindlimbs, a low epidural. Injection of a large volume at the same site produces a high epidural. The same effect is achieved by injecting the anesthetic at the lumbosacral or first interlumbar space. Called also extradural anesthesia, or analgesia, extradural block, epidural block.

Epidural anesthesia in a cow. By permission from Parkinson TJ, England GCW, Arthur GH, Arthur's Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, Saunders, 2001

epidural block

see epidural anesthesia (above).

segmental dorsolumbar epidural block

injection of local anesthetic into the epidural space between the first two lumbar vertebrae produces anesthesia of both flanks. Used for standing abdominal surgery in horses or cattle.