Spinal Anesthesia

• Spinal, epidural and caudal anesthesia

The first step in the development of localized anesthesia was the isolation of local anesthetics, the first of which was cocaine (the only naturally occurring local anesthetic). The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system (CNS). The placement of local anesthetic in or around the CNS is referred to as neuraxial anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia is a type of neuraxial anesthesia in which a local anesthetic is injected into the intrathecal region directly (subarachnoid space). This activity addresses spinal anesthetic technique, contraindications, and indications, as well as the role of the interprofessional team in patient treatment. Seven cervical, 12 thoracic, five lumbar, and five fused sacral vertebral bones make up the spine. The names of the various spinal bones are derived from their relative locations and anatomical distinctions. The vertebrae are stacked end to end with articulating joints and ligaments, as well as a hollow region called the spinal canal that runs through them. The spinal cord is housed in this canal. The spinal nerves escape the spinal canal through lateral gaps generated by adjacent vertebral pedicles.