Nerve Blocks

 

What are Nerve Blocks?

Often a group of nerves, called a plexus or ganglion, that causes pain to a specific organ or body region can be blocked with the injection of medication into a specific area of the body. The injection of this nerve-numbing substance is called a nerve block.

 

How Are Nerve Blocks Used?

There are different kinds of nerve blocks used for various purposes:

Therapeutic nerve blocks are used to treat painful conditions. Such nerve blocks contain local anesthetic that can be used to control acute pain.

Diagnostic nerve blocks are used to determine sources of pain. These blocks typically contain an anesthetic with a known duration of relief.

Prognostic nerve blocks predict the outcomes of given treatments. For example, a nerve block may be performed to determine if more permanent treatments (such as surgery) would be successful in treating pain.

Preemptive nerve blocks are meant to prevent subsequent pain from a procedure that can cause problems including phantom limb pain.

Nerve blocks can be used, in some cases, to avoid surgery.

 

Types of Nerve Blocks

Various areas of pain require different nerve block types. Below there are a few of the available nerve blocks and some parts of the body where they are used:

Peripheral Nerve Blocks – Used for phantom limb pain

Topical Trigeminal Nerve Blocks – Used for treating Trigeminal Neuralgia, Sympathetic Pain Caudal Epidural– Used for treating Pelvic pain)

T Spot B Block – Nose drops used to treat headaches, cough, sinus problems, and poor circulation

Scar Infiltrations – For old scars that are still painful

 

Benefits

  • Better movement
  • Less pain
  • Better understanding of your body and how it works
  • Improve circulation of blood

 

Side Effects

  • Temporary increase pain during procedure
  • Mild numbness in area of application
  • Mild soreness for up to 3 days

 
 

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