Risks associated with regional anaesthesia

Browse our leaflets to learn about the risks and side effects of regional anaesthesia, including spinals and epidurals. These resources will be useful to patients having surgery and women and birthing people considering regional anaesthetics for pain relief during labour. 

Everyone is different and it is not possible to know who will experience a side effect or risk. Some are more likely in people who have existing health conditions or need certain operations.

Your risks might be higher or lower than the numbers in these leaflets. Your anaesthetist will discuss with you the risks that are more likely, or significant, for you.

You can find more information about the different types of anaesthesia from our leaflets and video resources webpage.