Spinal vs epidural — quick comparison
Differentiating neuraxial techniques
Mnemonic device
Onset · Volume · Duration · Risk
Mapping
Onset
Spinal: 5-10 min · Epidural: 10-20 min
Volume
Spinal: 1-3 mL · Epidural: 10-20 mL
Duration
Spinal: 90-120 min (bupi) · Epidural: extendable indefinitely via catheter
Block density
Spinal: dense (motor + sensory + sympathetic) · Epidural: titratable, often less motor
PDPH risk
Spinal: <1% with pencil-point 25-27g · Epidural: 1-2% wet tap, 50% PDPH if happens
Hypotension
Spinal: rapid + severe · Epidural: gradual, more controllable
Clinical note: CSE combines both: rapid onset of spinal + extendable via catheter. Choose by case duration + density needed + hemodynamic tolerance.