What is a sympathetic nerve block?
A sympathetic nerve block is a procedure in which a combination of local anesthetic and corticosteroids are injected near your sympathetic nerve(s). These nerves are responsible for sending pain signals to your brain. During a sympathetic nerve block, medication is used to prevent these nerves from sending pain signals to your brain and providing patients with relief from their symptoms. Sympathetic nerve blocks can be used as a diagnostic and therapeutic treatment.
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Who is a candidate for sympathetic nerve blocks?
Sympathetic nerve blocks are used to treat patients who have been diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) of the lower extremities and peripheral neuropathy. If you have been diagnosed with CRPS and/or peripheral neuropathy and have not responded to conservative treatments then a sympathetic nerve block may be a good treatment option.
How is a sympathetic nerve block performed?
We can perform sympathetic nerve blocks in our in-office procedure suite and they can be performed with conscious sedation. During the procedure your physician will use fluoroscopy (X-Ray) to target your vertebrae and the sympathetic nerves. A contrast medication is injected to confirm needle placement and then slowly a local anesthetic and corticosteroid mixture is injected. Immediately following the procedure, patients may experience warmth and/or weakness in their legs. You will also have your blood pressure monitored post-procedure, as the block of your sympathetic nerves can cause your blood pressure to drop.
If you are experiencing pain related to CRPS of your lower extremities and would like to explore a sympathetic nerve block as a treatment option, contact our midtown Manhattan office to book a consultation with one of our physicians.
