To characterize the sensory effects of epidural lidocaine, 2 groups each of 10 human subjects received 25 ml of 2% lidocaine at the L1-L2/L2-L3 interspace (high lumbar group) or at the L3-L4/L4-L5 interspace (low lumbar group). Twelve quantitative sensory tests in the L5 and S1 dermatomes and leg extension strength were determined every 30 min for 3 h. Sensory and motor blockade were more pronounced in the low than in the high lumbar group. Sensory functions were blocked in the following order by epidural lidocaine: warm > cold > electrical stimuli. Perception of brief localized noxious stimuli was attenuated more than perception of noxious stimuli of longer duration and involving larger stimulus areas. It is suggested that both peripheral mechanisms (differential conduction blockade of afferent fibres) and central mechanisms (temporal and spatial summation) play a role in the sensory effects of epidural lidocaine.