Spinal Anesthesia
Spinal anesthesia may
be chosen for surgical procedures performed on the lower half of
the body. In this case, a needle will be inserted at waist level
between the bones of the spine into the space containing spinal
fluid. A local anesthetic agent is injected to numb the nerves
coming from the spinal cord, and you will temporarily lose feeling
and ability to move the lower part of your body. You may remain
conscious or may receive sedation if you wish. In rare instances
(less than 1 percent) when spinal anesthesia is used, you may
experience a post-spinal headache. However, the smallest gauge
needle possible will be used so the incidence of a headache will be
minimal. Also, during spinal or epidural anesthesia, you may
experience a higher than planned level of anesthesia resulting in
temporary low blood pressure or nausea.
