Sympathetic Nerve Block

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What is it?
A block that is performed to determine if there is damage to the sympathetic nerve chain and if it is 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?
A local skin anesthetic is given in the lumbar area of the back. A needle is then inserted into the back under fluoroscopy next to the vertebral body. The block may be performed on both sides of the spine. An anesthetic medication will be injected into the area.

Expected Results
The patient may note redness of the lower extremity and a feeling of warmth.

How long does it take?
It takes thirty minutes for the procedure followed by evaluation and recovery for several hours.

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 blood vessels.

Glossary:

Discogram

SNRB

Epidural

Facet

Sympathetic

Costovertebral

Stellate Ganglion

Neurotomy

Posted on: February 6th, 2009
Last Updated on: January 12th, 2010

Peer Reviews by Leading Specialists

What is this?

Christopher P. Silveri, MD

Judicious use of selective injections can provide both therapeutic and diagnostic benefits. Each shot is tailored to the specific anatomical area in question and should never be combined in the same sitting. Each shot should be performed to confirm or rule out a potential site of pain generation. In such an organized fashion a spine specialist may be able to clarify what was previously a diagnostic dilemma.