Were You Injured by an Epidural Injection?
Anyone who's been in a labor or delivery room has heard of an epidural injection. Almost half of all women opt to use an epidural injection during childbirth. Epidurals are also commonly used to treat pain related to back and spinal injuries. When used correctly, epidurals are relatively safe. However, if an anesthesiologist makes an error when giving someone an epidural shot, it can cause serious injuries.
Epidural injection injuries can cause serious disabilities. If you or a loved one has suffered pain, paralysis, or any other medical condition after receiving an epidural injection, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Contact the Omaha offices of Cullan & Cullan LLC to discuss your situation. We can help you pursue a Nebraska medical malpractice claim to pay for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages from missing work. You can reach us at (402) 882-7080.
What is an Epidural Injection?
Epidural injections are shots given by an anesthesiologist to manage a patient's pain. These injections can be dangerous due to how close to the spinal cord they’re given. When done correctly, an epidural injection is incredibly effective in managing severe pain.
How Does an Epidural Work?
Epidurals block pain in one area of the body. This is done by blocking nerve impulses at the point of the epidural injection, reducing the pain felt in that area. Due to the dangers involved with an injection close to the spinal cord, epidural injections are only given by trained anesthesiologists.
Risks of Epidural Injections
Epidural injections not done correctly can lead to serious health complications. Incorrectly performed epidural injections have been linked to arachnoiditis, an incurable pain disorder. Arachnoiditis is caused by the epidural injection inflaming the arachnoid, a membrane that protects the spinal cord, nerves in the spine, and the brain. If the arachnoid membrane gets severely inflamed, scar tissue can form causing spinal nerve damage.
Common Causes of Epidural Injuries
- Giving too many epidural injections in a short period of time
- Injecting an epidural injury in the wrong location
- Injecting an epidural directly into the spinal cord
- Injecting an epidural when it's not necessary
Epidural Injury Side Effects
Here are some common side effects reported after epidural injuries:
- Increased pain
- Allergic reactions
- Headaches/hot flashes
- Rashes
- Infections at the injection site
- Internal bleeding
- Paralysis
Epidural Injection Injuries and Newborns
Mothers who are given an improper epidural injection may suffer low blood pressure, cardiac arrest, seizures, or other medical emergencies that can cause injuries to a child. Any of these emergencies can deprive the child of oxygen and cause serious birth injuries. Here are the most common birth injuries associated with negligent epidural injections:
- Cerebral Palsy (injuries that affect motor skills, speaking, and intellectual development)
- Erb's palsy (injuries that affect muscles in the hands, arms, and shoulders)
- Heart disease
- Respiratory disease
- Brain injuries
- Stroke
- Sudden infant death
Contact an Experienced Omaha Epidural Injection Injury Attorney
Cullan & Cullan LLC is ready to aid you in pursuing a medical malpractice settlement after an epidural injection injury that helps you heal and move on. Our attorneys also have medical degrees and backgrounds in studying medicine, so we know how devastating an epidural injection injury can be. Let us help you get the financial compensation you need. We can be reached at (402) 882-7080.