Risk and Side Effects of Epidural Injections

Epidural injections are administered to patients suffering from back inflammation and/or pain. The medicine is delivered directly into the epidural space, the area surrounding the spinal cord and nerves. Epidural injections contain corticosteroid in them. Corticosteroid mimics the hormone cortisone and hydrocortisone, which reduces inflammation of the affected nerves, relieving pain albeit temporary. As with all medicine, it carries certain risks with it and although rare, is still a possibility.

Risks

Infection

As epidural injections are an invasive procedure, infections can occur at the injection site if the needles are unclean. However, this only occurs to 0.01% of all injections as needles are disposable and sterile nowadays.

Dural puncture

An unintentional dural puncture can occur when the needle accidentally passes through the dura mater and into the cerebrospinal fluid. Patients will usually experience a post dural puncture headache which is normally delayed for between 24 to 48 hours and will typically last for 3 to 4 days. Anaesthetistswill do a simple epidural blood patching by clotting the spinal sac and stopping the leak to treat severe cases of dural puncture.

Bleeding

Bleeding is a rare occurrence but patients with bleeding disorders are more prone to it as the injection might simulate bleeding.

Nerve damage

Nerve damages are uncommon and rare, but can happen if the needle accidentally injures the nerves through trauma. Depending on the severity, it can be temporary or even permanent.

Reactions

Depending on individual, some may experience allergy reactions due to the corticosteroid as their body is defending against these foreign intruders.

Side effects

Apart from risks, side effects of the corticosteroid may also be experienced by patients. Common side effects include:

1. Increase in pain at the injection site may be experienced by patients most commonly due to skin tissue irritation.

2. Flushing of the skin due to their body reacting with the steroid.

3. Patients may experience itchiness as their body's defense mechanism is reacting with the steroid.

4. Patients may sometimes develop fever due to infection at the injection site.

5. Loss of sleep may occur to some as patients feel discomfort.

Epidural steroid injections are generally safe and are effective to relieve back pain. It is ideal for patients who do not wish to undergo surgery yet requires a long term solution to it. It is ideal for most patients except those with bleeding disorder. However, patients can only undergo the most 3 injections within a six months timeframe as the medication in each injection lasts more than 6 months.

We introduce you Singapore Sports and Orthopaedics Clinic where professional help will be offered in the areas of diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for epidural injection and sports injuries.

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