Peripheral Nerve Blocks | Your Anesthetic | FAQs | Pain Management
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Please click the links below to learn more about the following:
2. How does a nerve block work?
4. Am I awake during the surgery?
5. How long does the block last?
7. What are the different types of nerve blocks?
8. Is a nerve block right for me?
9. Do you have obstructive sleep apnea or a history of nausea?
WHAT IS A “NERVE BLOCK”?
A “nerve block” is a technique of injecting numbing medicine (also called local anesthetic) around a group of nerves. This causes a specific area of the body to be numb.
A nerve block is often used in a variety of limb surgeries such as knee replacement, shoulder, hand and foot procedures as well as other surgical procedures.
HOW DOES A "NERVE BLOCK" WORK?
A nerve block is usually performed before surgery. First, your anesthesia provider will identify the nerves underneath the surface of the skin with a special device. This may be done in two ways:
- Nerve Stimulation – with this technique, the nerves are identified when muscle twitches are seen in your arm or leg
- Ultrasound Guidance - with this technique, the nerves are identified by obtaining a picture of the nerves underneath the skin
Once the location of the nerves is found, numbing medication is injected around the nerves. This medicine “blocks” pain signals from the area of the body involved in the surgery.
DOES A "NERVE BLOCK" HURT?
Sedation is often given during the nerve block procedure to help decrease any discomfort that you may feel.
AM I AWAKE DURING THE SURGERY?
You may be given sedation or general anesthesia during the actual procedure (or occasionally remain awake). In any case, you will not see or feel the actual procedure. Your anesthesia provider will discuss the options with you prior to surgery to determine the best plan.
HOW LONG DOES THE BLOCK LAST?
- Depending on the medication injected, the effects of the block can last 8 to 24 hours.
- For certain surgeries, a small catheter may be inserted to allow the block to last 2 – 3 days. This reduces your need for other pain medications and can help with your participation in physical therapy. The catheter is attached to an infusion pump and can be easily removed at home once the infusion is complete.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Benefits of a nerve block can include:
- Faster recovery time
- Less nausea
- Reduction in pain after surgery
Because the area of the surgery is numb, patients often require less pain medication and sedation during the surgery and less pain medication after surgery. As a result, side effects such as drowsiness, upset stomach, and dizziness can often be decreased.
If you are staying in the hospital after your surgery, good pain control helps when doing physical therapy.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF NERVE BLOCKS?
The type of nerve block that is performed depends on the location of the surgery. The anesthesia provider will numb specific nerves that are connected to the area where the surgery will be performed. To learn more about specific nerve blocks,
CLICK on the different types of surgery below:
IS A NERVE BLOCK RIGHT FOR ME?
Each type of nerve block has unique benefits and risks. Some risks include bleeding, infection, injury to nerves, and an adverse reaction to the local anesthetic medication. Your anesthesia provider will review your medical history and planned procedure and discuss the benefits and risks of a nerve block. The anesthesia provider will answer any questions you may have.
Make sure to tell your anesthesia provider if you have any type of preexisting pain, numbness or weakness or preexisting nerve injury. It is also important to let your anesthesia provider know if you have any respiratory (lung, breathing) problems.
DO YOU HAVE OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA OR A HISTORY OF NAUSEA?
Patients with medical conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or a history of postoperative nausea may especially benefit from a nerve block by avoiding sedating medications or general anesthesia. Your anesthesia provider will help determine if a nerve block is right for you.
HOW TO LEARN MORE
FOAA Anesthesia Services is experienced in performing a variety of nerve blocks for patients undergoing many different surgeries.
For more information about nerve blocks and catheters contact FOAA Anesthesia Services at (703) 391-3037.
| What is Regional Anesthesia? | ||
| Learn more about Regional Anesthesia from Sonia Szlyk, M.D., Director of Regional Anesthesia for FOAA Anesthesia Services. |
