Information: Epidural Injection

What is an epidural injection?

The word Epidural refers to a space where nerve roots leave the spinal cord before travelling to the rest of the body. An Epidural is a procedure in which a mixture of local anaesthetic and steroid is administered into the epidural space. The aim is to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief in the back.

On arrival in the Imaging Department, you will be taken into the room where the procedure will be explained to you by the Consultant Radiologist and Radiographer. Under either CT or fluoroscopy guidance, preliminary imaging will be performed to check the correct position for the injection. Local anaesthetic will be used to numb the area, and a fine needle will be inserted into the epidural space where a solution of local anaesthetic and steroid is administered into the epidural space.

How long will the procedure last?

It will last approximately 30 minutes, and afterwards you will be taken back to the Day Unit and monitored over the following two hours. During this time, your blood pressure, pulse, limb sensitivity and the ability to pass urine will be assessed before you are discharged from the Hospital. You will be required to lie flat for a time after the procedure.

After your appointment

Patients are advised not to drive, operate machinery or perform tasks that require their undivided attention after the procedure. Please arrange to be driven home.

There are some possible side effects from the procedure:

Minor numbness and tingling	Usually lasts for no more than 2 hours.
Pain exacerbation	Some patients experience an exacerbation of their sciatica for 24 hours after the procedure when the local anaesthetic wears off.
Urinary difficulties	Some patients experience difficulty passing urine for a short time.
Menstrual irregularity	Some patients may experience menstrual irregularity due to interference with hormonal systems by the steroid. Post-menopausal bleeding may also occur but is usually short-lived.
Infection	Infection is a possibility but is very rare as the procedure is carried out under sterile conditions.

Radiation information

We are all subject to natural radiation from the atmosphere on a daily basis, and X-ray procedures involve exposure to additional radiation in varying amounts. The amount of radiation used for a CT scan is more than the amount that is used for a standard X-ray and (depending on the examination you have) is equal to the natural radiation you would receive from the atmosphere over a period of around three years. A large amount of additional radiation can increase the chance of developing cancer. However, the amount of radiation is kept to a minimum, and the risk of the additional radiation has to be balanced against the possibility of missing a serious disorder by not having the scan. Patients who are or might be pregnant must inform a member of staff. If you have any questions regarding this, please speak to a Radiographer or Radiologist.