Sympathetic Nerve Blocks
Description
This procedure is performed to determine if there is pain coming from 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. However, they may sometimes carry painful impulses as well.
How It’s Performed
Involves injecting anesthetic into different nerves. Sedation may be offered for patient comfort.
Candidates For This Procedure
Patients with nerve (neurogenic) pain, most commonly the constant burning pain of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) otherwise known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in the arm or leg are candidates for the procedure. Also patients with coccydynia (tailbone pain), facial pain or pelvic area pain may be candidates.
How Long It Takes
The sympathetic nerve blocks procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Recovery
Patient usually is monitored for 30 to 60 minutes and then can resume activity as tolerated. Patient is instructed to rest for the day of the procedure.
Results
Usually, there is a progressive increase in the interval between when blocks are needed due to the pain relief provided by the procedure.