Infection at the catheter site: If this occurs, the catheter is taken out and sometimes antibiotics are given. An abscess could occur, but that is also rare.

The study concluded that the “data are reassuring and suggest that central neuraxial block, has a low incidence of major complications, many of which resolve within 6 months. The study also went on to explain that in those who experienced disabling injuries initially, two-thirds were fully resolved. A 2009 study found that “the incidence of paraplegia or death was 1.8 per 100,000.

Permanent nerve damage: This can occur on rare occasions.

Temporary nerve damage: This can be caused by the needle or epidural catheter insertion causing some damage to the nerves. This can result in loss of sensation in the legs and lower body, but it usually improves with time.

The more serious risks of having an epidural are very rarebut can include trouble breathing and nerve damage, among other issues. Rare side effects of getting an epidural.

Headache: This can be caused by inadvertent puncture of the bag of fluid that surrounds the spinal cord, this causes fluid to leak out, which results in a headache the headache usually gets worse when a person sits up and is lessened when lying in a supine position (on your back). Back pain: After having an epidural, lower back pain is fairly common, but should dissipate a few days after birth.

Nausea: This is usually less prevalent than with traditional pain medications, but it can still occur.

Itching: This can result from the drugs that are used in the epidural, antihistamines can be given to combat itching.

Inability to urinate: Due to the nerves to the bladder being affected by the epidural, a urinary catheter (a tube inserted into the bladder to drain the urine) may be ordered if needed.

Low blood pressure: The pain medication given in the epidural may lower the blood pressure and slow the heart rate. You will be given extra fluids in your IV to counteract this antihypertensive (lowering blood pressure) effect. You may also be given medication to help maintain your blood pressure if the IV fluids are not effective.

This discomfort should subside in a day or two and may last a few days at most. An epidural is not known to cause any type of permanent back pain. What are the risks of an epidural steroid injection An epidural steroid injection generally causes no problems.

Pain in the epidural site: You may experience pain in your lower back where the needle was inserted.

Epidural after effects