Is it necessary to penetrate any meninges to perform an epidural? is it necessary to penetrate any meninges to perform an epidural? if so why?

Meninges : Meninges are the three protective layers membranes that overlie the brain and spinal cord. The outermost is known as the dura mater. In order to perform an epidural (epi = above, dural = dura), a needle and catheter is inserted into the bony canal of the spinal cord above, but not into the dura mater. An epidural is great for pain relief due to childbirth, but does not typically cause loss of muscle control and is not adequate for surgery. If greater anesthesia is needed (like for a cesarean section), then spinal anesthesia is needed. In this procedure, the needle and catheter must penetrate through the dura mater into the spinal fluid in order for proper anesthesia.

No.: An epidural means outside the dura (meninges). It is not intended to penetrate the meninges, but it is a common complication of the procedure. It is referred to as a "wet tap", and generally has no long-term consequences. However, it can produce a very severe headache, that sometimes must be treated with another procedure, called a 'blood patch'.