Neurolytic Block

Neurolytic Block

A neurolytic block is the injection of alcohol or phenol around a group of nerves to provide long lasting relief after a previous diagnostic block has provided effective temporary relief. Alcohol or phenol will damage the nerves that will therefore have longer pain alleviating effects than a local anesthetic drug (Novocain). After the nerves have been damaged, they will try to repair themselves over the next several months to years, and could result in you having greater pain than originally experienced. Therefore, these blocks are usually only performed for the treatment of pain after other modalities have been tried. Even though this block is considered permanent, it may not be. It may last for several weeks or months. If the pain returns, this block can be repeated. The procedure is the same as with the local anesthetic block. The only difference is the medication used.

As there are so many different areas that this technique can be applied, your doctor will provide you with the specifics of your procedure.

Note!

Radiofrequency (RF) waves can also be applied for destruction and stunning of nerve tissues. RF techniques are very precise and do not produce any significant scar tissue. Your pain specialist can tell you if your pain syndrome is amenable to RF ablation.