Peripheral Nerve Block

Peripheral Nerve Block

A peripheral nerve block is the injection of local anesthetic (like Novocain) and possibly anti-inflammatory, not muscle-building, steroid around a specific nerve. A peripheral nerve block is performed to diagnose and/or treat neuropathic (nerve) pain. Neuropathic pain sometimes occurs after a nerve has been damaged. Temporarily blocking or disrupting painful nerve impulses associated with neuropathic pain can result in various degrees of permanent relief. If, after following a single block, you achieve partial relief, a series of several blocks can be performed of which each successive block may give a greater degree of sustained relief.

You will be placed in a position appropriate to expose the necessary area. The area will be cleansed with an antiseptic and then numbed. During placement of the needle, you may feel an electric shock type sensation when the needle is near the nerve. Then, the medication will then be injected.

There are numerous situations where different nerves are injected. Each specific case is discussed in detail with patients prior to any injections.