Spinal anesthetic is a medical term used to describe a form of anesthesia that is administered through the spinal canal. The word is pronounced /ˈspaɪnəl ənəsˈθɛtɪk/ (spahy-nl uh-nuh s-thet-ik), with the emphasis on the second syllable. The spelling of "spinal anesthetic" is straightforward, as it is derived from "spinal," which refers to the spine, and "anesthetic," which refers to the process of numbing or rendering unconscious. This type of anesthesia is typically used for procedures such as childbirth, surgery on the lower body, and certain types of diagnostic tests.
A spinal anesthetic, also referred to as a spinal block or subarachnoid block, is a type of regional anesthesia that involves the injection of a local anesthetic medication into the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord. It is a common method used to numb a specific region of the body and provide pain relief during various surgical procedures or childbirth.
The procedure begins with the patient assuming a specific position, usually sitting or lying on their side, to expose the lower back region. The area is then sterilized, and a thin needle is inserted through the skin and spinal ligaments into the subarachnoid space. The local anesthetic is then injected, which affects the spinal nerves and blocks the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
The effects of a spinal anesthetic are typically rapid and profound, resulting in complete numbness and loss of sensation below the level of injection. However, the patient remains awake and conscious during the procedure, making it suitable for surgeries where the patient's cooperation or neurological evaluation is required. The duration of the anesthetic effect varies based on the choice of medication but typically lasts between one to three hours.
Although spinal anesthesia is generally considered safe and effective, there are potential risks and side effects such as low blood pressure, headache, backache, nerve damage, infection, or allergic reaction. Careful monitoring and close observation by healthcare professionals are crucial during and after administration to ensure patient safety and proper management of any complications that may arise.
The word "spinal" is derived from the Latin word "spina", meaning "thorn" or "backbone". It refers to the spine, which is the column of bones extending from the skull to the pelvis, encasing and protecting the spinal cord.
The term "anesthetic" is also derived from Greek and Latin roots. It combines the Greek word "an", meaning "without", and the Greek word "aisthēsis", meaning "sensation" or "feeling". The Latin suffix "-tic" denotes "relating to" or "pertaining to".
Therefore, the etymology of "spinal anesthetic" can be understood as referring to a technique or substance that induces a loss of sensation or feeling in a specific region of the spine, usually used for medical procedures or surgeries.