the difference between an epidural and a spinal tap
Call your hospital's maternity ward and ask, they are usually glad to answer questions! Edit: A spinal tap is when a shunt is placed into the cavity between spine (bone) and cord to remove fluid for testing, an Epidural is the placement of a shunt in the same area to inject pain medication.
Â· just now. Report Abuse. From what i understand: The epidural goes into your back to a nerve right before the spine, but not the spine. The spinal tap is straight to the spine. They both get put in your back and if they inject the epidural too far it will be a spinal tap.