Can you get nerve damage from an epidural?

Can you get nerve damage from an epidural?

Nerve damage is a rare complication of spinal or epidural injections. Nerve damage is usually temporary. Permanent nerve damage resulting in paralysis (loss of the use of one or more limbs) is very rare.

Can I sue for nerve damage after epidural?

For example, the accepted standard of epidural needle penetration is 1.75 inches into the tissue; if the medical professional penetrated the tissue past 2 inches and caused permanent nerve damage or other serious injuries, the victim may have a case for medical malpractice.

What happens if an epidural goes wrong?

The needle used to deliver the epidural can hit a nerve, leading to temporary or permanent loss of feeling in your lower body. Bleeding around the area of the spinal cord and using the wrong medication in the epidural can also cause nerve damage. This side effect is extremely rare.

What causes a failed epidural?

The causes of neuraxial labor analgesia failure include inadequate initial epidural needle placement, suboptimal catheter siting upon threading, catheter migration within the epidural space during labor, problematic neuraxial anatomy of the parturient, or an unpredictably fast labor.

How common is a failed epidural?

But, according to the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists, labour epidurals have a failure rate of nine to 12 percent. However, failure is still not standardly defined, so the rates vary. Reasons for epidurals not working can include catheter placement, patient expectations and low pain thresholds.

How long should my legs be numb after an epidural?

You may feel numbness in your legs after an epidural. This can last for up to several hours, but it can be less. Once you have feeling in your legs, let the medical team know. They will help you decide if it is safe for you to walk.

Can you shower after your water breaks?

Once the membranes rupture there is a risk of infection so use a pad, not a tampon, to catch the fluid, and avoid sexual intercourse. “You shouldn’t take a bath, but you’re safe to shower,” says Murdock.