Sympathetic Nerve Block
A sympathetic nerve block is one that is performed to determine if there is damage to the sympathetic nerve chain. This is a network of nerves extending the length of the spine. These nerves control some of the involuntary functions of the body, such as opening and narrowing blood vessels.
Please play video for a more detailed understanding for what to expect during the procedure.
Please pay close attention to the following information/instructions:
If you are currently on antibiotics or being treated for an infection, please call the office prior to your injection appointment.
PRE-OP:
A sympathetic nerve block diagnoses and treats long-term (chronic) pain and other conditions caused by abnormal activity of the sympathetic nerves. A sympathetic nerve block involves injecting an anesthetic near the sympathetic nerves to numb pain. A sympathetic nerve block can provide good long-term pain relief, but it is not effective for everyone. You may need a series of injections for optimal pain relief.
The sympathetic nerves control some automatic body functions, such as blood pressure, digestion, and sweating. They do not normally send pain messages to the brain. Some conditions, such as complex regional pain syndrome, can trigger sympathetic nerve activity and cause pain.
You will be receiving an injection of local anesthetic, corticosteroids, and a small amount of contrast dye. Please inform us if you have had any previous adverse reactions to the above-listed medications.
The local anesthetic effect can last for several hours after your injection, and you may experience temporary numbness or weakness. We advise that you refrain from driving the day of your procedure. Please bring a driver to your appointment, they must stay in the facility for the duration of the procedure.
MODERATE SEDATION: On the day of your appointment, we may ask you to refrain from eating or drinking 6 hours prior to your appointment time if you are receiving sedation. You may eat and drink immediately following your injection. If you take routine medications, you may take these on the day of your injection as scheduled with a small sip of water.
NO SEDATION: Please refrain from having a large meal prior to your appointment. You may have light food and/or beverages. You may eat and drink immediately following your injection. If you take routine medications, you may take these on the day of your injection as scheduled.
If you have anxiety about your scheduled office procedure and prefer to have a light sedative prescribed to take before your appointment, please notify our office at least 24 hours in advance. IV sedatives are available if your procedure is scheduled at Apex Surgical Center or Specialty Surgery Center of CNY.
If you are on any blood thinning medications (Plavix®, Coumadin®, Aggrenox®, Lovenox®, Xarelto®, aspirin), please notify our office so that we may give you specific instructions about the length of time you need to discontinue these medications.
POST-OP:
Side effects after a sympathetic block may include temporary soreness, a feeling of warmth, or some weakness. In most cases, you will be given a series of blocks to get the best possible response.
An ice pack may be used intermittently to numb the pain and reduce swelling on the injection site. Ice packs must be used for 15 to 20 minutes at a time with a break of at least two hours in between to avoid skin injury.
Warm showers are preferred over baths for 1 to 2 days after the Sympathetic Nerve Block.
The sympathetic nerve block treatments are relatively safe and low-risk procedure. However, some people may experience certain side effects and/or complications from this treatment. It is advised to discuss the potential risk of developing any adverse reactions or side effects of this injection with a doctor prior to this treatment.
Please feel free to make an appointment to discuss with your Doctor if you are a candidate for these services or contact one of our care representatives with questions at 315-451-5400.