US Medical Term · procedures
Epidural
Epidural
Also: Anestesia epidural (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Epidural |
| Spanish (Español) | Epidural |
| Chinese (中文) | 硬膜外麻醉 |
| Korean (한국어) | 경막외 마취 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Gây tê ngoài màng cứng |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Epidural |
| Portuguese (Português) | Anestesia peridural |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การฉีดยาชาเข้าช่องไขสันหลัง |
| Japanese (日本語) | 硬膜外麻酔 |
What it means
An epidural is a type of regional anesthesia in which medication is injected into the epidural space of the spine to numb a large area of the body, typically from the waist down. It is commonly used during labor and childbirth, cesarean sections, and lower-body surgeries. A small catheter (thin tube) is usually placed in the epidural space so medication can be given continuously or as needed. The injection is done by an anesthesiologist while the patient sits or lies curled on their side. There is usually mild pressure or a pinch during catheter placement. Side effects may include low blood pressure, headache (rare), or temporary weakness in the legs. The epidural is removed after the procedure and the catheter site heals quickly.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I am planning to get an epidural during labor to manage the pain of childbirth.
Planeo recibir una epidural durante el parto para controlar el dolor.
Is there a risk of a bad headache after an epidural?
¿Hay riesgo de un fuerte dolor de cabeza después de una epidural?
Can I still move my legs after receiving an epidural?
¿Podré mover mis piernas después de recibir una epidural?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026