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SYMPATHETIC
NERVE BLOCK
What is it?
A Sympathetic Nerve
Block is performed to determine if there is damage to the sympathetic
nerve chain and if it is in the source of pain. This is a diagnostic
test primarily, but it may provide relief far in excess of the duration
of the anesthetic.
How
is it done?
The
patient is given intravenous medication as a relaxant and sedative. A
local skin anesthetic is give in the lumbar area of the back. A needle
is the inserted into the back under fluoroscopy next to the vertebral
body at the lumbar - 2 or lumbar - 3 level. The block may be performed
on both sides of the spine at one or both of these levels. An anesthetic
medication will be injected into the area or areas.
Expected
Results:
The patient may note redness of the lower extremity and a feeling of
warmth.
How long does it take?
It
takes 30 minutes for the procedure followed by evaluation. Recovery from
sedation takes a minimum of one hour.
Glossary
Sympathetic Nerves --
a network of nerves extending
the length of the spine that control some of the involuntary functions
of the body such as opening and narrowing of blood vessels.
Fluoroscopy --
X-ray imaging
of a part of the body that is displayed on a screen or monitor in the
x-ray suite. This facilitates and assures proper placement of the needle
and medication.
Get real answers at
Gulf Coast Pain Management.
If you have any questions whatsoever regarding this procedure,
please do not hesitate to ask Lynne Carr Columbus, D.O. /
Hee (Dennis) S. Lee, M.D.
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