epidural, a. and n. Anat.
(ɛpɪˈdjʊərəl)
[f. epi- + dura mater) + -al1.]
A. adj. Situated upon or outside, or affecting, the dura mater.
| 1882 E. A. Schäfer in Quain's Elem. Anat. (ed. 9) II. 374 The spaces between the fibrous trabeculæ..can be injected from the epidural space where this exists, and the injecting fluid can be forced along them..into the subdural space. 1895 Buck's Handbk. Med. Sci. Suppl. 608/2 There are two layers of dura [in the spine], an ectal (periosteal) and an ental (myelic), the interval between them constitutes an epidural space. 1902 Cunningham Text-bk. Anat. 558 The spinal dura mater..is separated from the walls of the spinal canal by an interval, the epidural space, which is occupied by soft fat and a plexus of thin-walled veins. 1968 Guardian 12 Sept. 1/1 Epidural analgesia—a procedure which means a mother can get continuous pain-relief throughout her confinement without any loss of clarity or consciousness. A cocaine derivative is passed into the membrane surrounding the fluid round the spinal cord. |
B. n. Med. An injection of anæsthetic into the epidural space, used esp. to control pain during childbirth by producing a loss of sensation below the waist without affecting consciousness.
| 1970 Guardian 7 Apr. 9/3 If I was in a lot of pain I would be offered an ‘epidural’. 1977 Daily Mail 25 Jan. 13/4 Complain if there are not facilities for epidurals at your hospital. 1981 S. Kitzinger Experience of Childbirth (ed. 4) viii. 180 An epidural, in expert hands, can achieve complete relief from pain, while leaving the woman fully conscious and alert. 1985 Times 1 Feb. 11/3 As epidurals have spread from the teaching centres to general use there has been no central monitoring of epidural disasters. |