Which of the following are examples of regional anesthesia methods? Select all that apply.

Regional anesthesia methods involve the injection of anesthetic agents to block sensation in specific areas of the body while allowing the patient to remain awake or sedated. These methods provide pain relief during and after surgical procedures, particularly in areas such as the lower body.

Epidural blocks are examples of regional anesthesia as they involve the injection of anesthetic medication into the epidural space of the spinal column. This technique effectively numbs the lower part of the body, making it ideal for procedures like childbirth or surgeries on the lower abdomen and legs.

Similarly, spinal blocks also represent a form of regional anesthesia. This method involves injecting a local anesthetic into the cerebrospinal fluid in the spinal canal. This can lead to complete sensory and motor block below the level of the injection, making it commonly used for surgeries involving the lower extremities or pelvic area.

In contrast, general anesthesia entails a state of unconsciousness and an absence of sensation across the entire body, which is distinctly different from the targeted suppression of sensation achieved with regional techniques. Intravenous sedation, while it provides sedation and can relieve anxiety, does not provide regional anesthesia. Thus, epidural blocks and spinal blocks are the appropriate examples of regional anesthesia methods in this context.