epidural anesthesia: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Medical
Quick answer
What does “epidural anesthesia” mean?
A regional anesthesia technique in which anesthetic drugs are injected into the epidural space of the spinal cord, blocking pain sensation in a specific region of the body, commonly used during childbirth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A regional anesthesia technique in which anesthetic drugs are injected into the epidural space of the spinal cord, blocking pain sensation in a specific region of the body, commonly used during childbirth.
Any form of medical analgesia administered via the epidural route, often extended to describe the state of numbness resulting from such an injection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English predominantly uses 'epidural anaesthesia' (with 'ae'), while American English uses 'epidural anesthesia' (with 'e'). The short form 'epidural' is universal.
Connotations
Identical; the term carries the same high-technical, clinical connotation in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally common in medical contexts; slightly more frequent in everyday US English due to cultural discussions around childbirth pain management.
Grammar
How to Use “epidural anesthesia” in a Sentence
The patient [VERB: received] epidural anesthesia.The anaesthetist [VERB: administered] epidural anesthesia to [PATIENT].Epidural anesthesia [VERB: was performed] for the [PROCEDURE].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “epidural anesthesia” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team decided to epiduralise the patient prior to surgery.
- She was epiduralised for the duration of the labour.
American English
- The anesthesiologist will epiduralize the patient.
- She chose to be epiduralized for the procedure.
adverb
British English
- The drug was administered epidurally.
- The area was numbed epidurally.
American English
- The medication was given epidurally.
- The block was performed epidurally.
adjective
British English
- The epidural anaesthetic effect was profound.
- They discussed the epidural route of administration.
American English
- The epidural anesthetic catheter was secured.
- She experienced epidural pain relief.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
N/A. Not used in standard business contexts.
Academic
Used in medical, nursing, and pharmacological research papers discussing pain management techniques and outcomes.
Everyday
Primarily in discussions about childbirth options and experiences ('She decided to have an epidural.').
Technical
Standard term in anesthesiology, obstetrics, and surgery for describing a specific analgesic/anaesthetic technique.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “epidural anesthesia”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “epidural anesthesia”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “epidural anesthesia”
- Misspelling: 'epidual', 'epiduaral'.
- Incorrect plural: 'epidurals anesthesia' (correct: 'epidural anesthesia' is non-count; the plural is 'epidural anesthetics' or 'epidural procedures').
- Confusing it with 'general anesthesia' (where the patient is unconscious).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Epidural anesthesia is a form of regional anesthesia that numbs a specific part of the body. The patient typically remains awake and alert, unlike with general anesthesia.
You usually feel pressure and movement but not sharp pain. The sensation is often described as numbness or heaviness in the affected area.
Common side effects can include a drop in blood pressure, headache (if the dura is punctured), temporary difficulty urinating, itching, and shivering. Serious complications are rare.
While most famously used in labour and delivery, epidural anesthesia is also routinely used for surgeries involving the lower abdomen, pelvis, and legs, such as hip replacements or prostate surgery.
A regional anesthesia technique in which anesthetic drugs are injected into the epidural space of the spinal cord, blocking pain sensation in a specific region of the body, commonly used during childbirth.
Epidural anesthesia is usually technical / medical in register.
Epidural anesthesia: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɛpɪˈdjʊərəl ˌænɪsˈθiːzɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɛpɪˈdʊrəl ˌænəsˈθiʒə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To have an epidural”
- “To be under an epidural”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'EPI-DURAL': EPIdemic of pain? DURAL membrane stops it! AN-esth-ESIA: ANnihilates SEnSation In Area.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDICAL INTERVENTION IS A BARRIER (the anesthesia creates a barrier against pain signals).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary anatomical target for administering epidural anesthesia?