Adverse Reaction Of Epidural Steroid Injections Is Severe But Rare
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Health Fitness -> subcategory Other.
Severe but Rare: Adverse Reactions to Epidural Steroid Injections
Summary:
The epidural space surrounds the spinal cord and its nerves, often linked to severe back pain and inflammation. Epidural steroid injections, containing cortisone, are used to alleviate this pain, reduce inflammation, and address symptoms like numbness and tingling caused by nerve irritation.
Article:
The epidural space, surrounding your spinal cord and nerves, is commonly associated with severe back pain and inflammation. To manage this discomfort, epidural steroid injections, containing long-acting cortisone, are administered. These injections help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and address symptoms such as tingling and numbness due to nerve irritation.
Though generally safe, there are potential risks, side effects, and adverse reactions associated with these injections. Minor side effects, occurring in 1% to 2% of cases, may include mild infections. More severe adverse reactions are rare, occurring in only 0.01% to 0.1% of cases.
Common Side Effects:
Some possible side effects include:
- Temporary reduction in immunity
- Cataracts
- Brief flushing
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Elevated blood sugar levels, especially in diabetics
- Water retention
- Suppression of natural cortisone production
Rare Adverse Reactions:
Serious complications can include severe infections and bleeding within the epidural space, potentially leading to nerve damage. These adverse reactions are typically more common in patients with bleeding disorders.
A dural puncture, occurring in about 0.5% of procedures, might cause a post-dural puncture headache, also known as a spinal headache. While this usually resolves within a few days, a blood patch may be required for relief.
Other potential adverse effects include the development of stomach ulcers or severe hip arthritis (avascular necrosis).
Prevention and Precautions:
To minimize risks, epidural steroid injections should be avoided in:
- Patients with local or systemic bacterial infections
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with bleeding issues
- People with pain due to a tumor or infection
- Those with allergies to the medication
- Patients on blood thinners like Coumadin, Plavix, or Ticlid
It's advisable to perform an MRI scan before the injection to prevent potential adverse effects.
By being aware of these risks and taking appropriate precautions, the benefits of epidural steroid injections can be maximized while minimizing potential complications.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Adverse Reaction Of Epidural Steroid Injections Is Severe But Rare .
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