Whether you have given birth before, or you are looking forward to having your first child, you may be interested in receiving an epidural. Millions of women get epidurals as a form of pain management while going through labor. Although this anesthetic medication can bring great relief to women suffering from exceptional pain, there are also risks associated with them. At Garau Germano, P.C., we know that even the slightest mistake in anesthesia administration can lead to permanent damage.
During an epidural, medication is administered into the back using a long needle. A catheter is then inserted through the needle and into the spinal column so the medication can provide continuous relief. Local anesthetics numb the lower part of the body. However, if the needle is inserted in the wrong area of the spinal column or if the anesthesiologist does not use the proper technique to administer the medication, there may be serious consequences. Epidural risks also include the following:
- Giving too much medication
- Administering the medication too early
- Failure to monitor fetus and mother once the epidural has been given
- Giving the mother medication that she is allergic to
Epidural injuries could lead to infections, seizures, breathing issues, nerve damage and long-term back pain.
Epidural errors not only have the potential to injure the mother, but the baby as well. Babies may have brain injuries, strokes, poor muscle tone or have difficulties breastfeeding as a result of an epidural mistake.
To learn more about epidural mistakes, visit our page on anesthesia errors.