Learning About Regional Anesthesia in Children

What is it?

Regional anesthesia is the use of medicine to block pain from an area of the body, like an arm or a leg or the belly. It's used with medicines to relax your child or make your child fall asleep during a procedure.

What are the types?

The main types are:

• Peripheral nerve blocks. Medicine is given near a specific nerve or group of nerves. It blocks pain in the part of the body supplied by the nerve. This is often used for procedures on the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face.
• Spinal, epidural, and caudal. Medicine is given near the spinal cord and the nerves around it. These types block pain from an entire area of the body, such as the belly, hips, or legs.
• Intravenous (I.V.) regional anesthesia. Medicine is given in a vein to numb an area of the body. It's also called a Bier block. It may be used instead of a peripheral nerve block for some procedures, such as for hand or wrist surgery.

How do you prepare?

You'll get instructions to help you prepare. They'll tell you what to expect at the hospital. They'll also tell you when your child should stop eating, drinking, or breastfeeding. And you'll learn what medicines they can and can't take. If your child feels nervous, ask your doctor about ways to help them relax.

What should you tell the anesthesia specialist before the procedure?

Tell the provider about any health problems your child has. Tell them about your child's past surgeries. Also let them know if a family member had problems with anesthesia. Give them a list of any medicines, vitamins, and herbal products your child takes.