The suffixes being discussed from Chapter

12 in this presentation are:

-algesia – pain and sensitivity

-esthesia - sensation or feeling

Epidural analgesia with local anesthetics, opioids, or alpha agonistsalone, or in combination, can provide greater regional pain reliefover conventional systemic routes (IV or by mouth), with minimalsystemic side effects (nausea, sedation, constipation). Pain relieversadministered epidurally are distributed by three main pathways:

1. diffusion through the dura into the CSF, then to the spinal cord or nerve roots;

2. vascular uptake by the vessels in the epidural space into systemic circulation; and

3. uptake by the fat in the epidural space; creating a drug depot from which the drug can eventually enter the CSF or the systemic circulation

Anesthesia is broken down into three main categories: general,regional, and local, all of which affect the nervous system in some

wayand can be administered using various methods and differentmedications.

General - make and keep a person completely unconscious (or "asleep") during an operation, with no awareness or memory of the event. General anesthesia can be given through an IV (which requires a needle stick into a vein, usually in the arm) or by inhaling gases or vapors by breathing into a mask or tube.

Regional - anesthetic drug is injected near a cluster of nerves, numbing a larger area of the body (such as below the waist). Someone who receives regional anesthesia is usually asleep before the procedure is done.

Local - anesthetic drug (which can be given as a shot, spray, or ointment) numbs only a small, specific area of the body (for example, a foot, hand, or patch of skin). With local anesthesia, a person is awake or sedated, depending

on what 's best for the patient.

An analgesic is a drug given to relieve pain. Thedrug could be given as a solution through an iv, in pillform taken orally, or a patch, cream or solution to beabsorbed through the skin.

An anesthetic is a drug given to put you to sleep. It canbe a combination of drugs that produce: Sleep (narcosis) Pain relief (analgesia) Amnesia (so the patient doesn’t remember the

surgery) Muscle-relaxant (so the patient doesn’t twitch or the

muscle tense up during the surgery)

Thank you for watching. I hope you have enjoyed the presentation.

Michal Peters