Epidural
Epidural injections are minimally invasive examinations that are primarily used for protracted complaints in the lumbar spine (lumbar spine). Epidurals will also be used for disc herniations and postoperative, following disc surgery.
We first image the area we want to treat, find the exact location and a safe path to it on the imaging, we numb the surface tissue with some local anesthetic then gently guide the needle down into the Epidural space where the steroid can spread around the affected area.
The treatment itself is almost painless because of the local anesthetic.
For examining these areas, CTs are used to not only increase safety during the intervention but also guarantee a high level of precision on each affected body part. CTs also allow for clear diagnosis used for ongoing therapy advice and for the condition to be constantly measured.
Possible side effects of the Procedure
Local anesthetics and contrast media can cause allergic reactions. The following symptoms can occur as possible side effects of injecting a cortisone preparation: calf cramps, slight weight gain, slight increase in blood sugar or blood pressure, acne, increased brittleness of smaller vessels with the occurrence of bruises and menstrual disorders in women. Due to the low local amount of cortisone, general cortisone side effects are only to be expected in exceptional cases.
After the injection, you may experience temporary numbness and weakness in the leg. This is a dose-dependent effect of the local anesthetic and usually resolves completely within 24 hours. Since the local anesthetic can prolong your reaction time, you should not actively participate in road traffic during this time - an escort for the way home is recommended!
Blood thinning medications may need to be stopped for a period of days, or your normal dose reduced, before this procedure is carried out. It is very important that you do not stop any of these medications or change the dose without consulting both the radiology clinic or department and your own doctor. They will give you specific instructions about when to stop and restart the medication. These drugs are usually prescribed to prevent stroke or heart attack so it is very important that you do not stop taking them without being instructed to do so by your doctor or the radiology practice, or both. Aspirin is usually not stopped.