epidural (redirected from epidurals)

epidural /epi·du·ral/ (-dūr´il) situated upon or outside the dura mater.

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ep·i·du·ral (p-drl)

adj.

Located on or over the dura mater.

n.

An injection into the epidural space of the spine.

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epidural

[ep′idoo͡r′əl]

Etymology: Gk, epi + dura, hard

outside or above the dura mater.

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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.

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epidural

adjective Referring to the space between the bone of vertebral column and the meninges of the brain or spinal cord noun An epidural injection administered in the epidural space of the vertebral column