What is it? |
An injection performed to confirm/diagnose (treat) that the sympathetic nervous system is responsible for arm or leg pain. For example, pain caused with reflex sympathetic dystrophy or complex regional pain syndrome. |
How is it done? |
An I.V. will be started in your hand or arm. A local skin anesthetic is given. A needle is then inserted using fluoroscopy (x-ray) down to the cervical (SGB) or lumbar (LSB) sympathetic nerve chain. Injectate will then be delivered to the region (Local anesthetic and corticosteroid). |
Expected results: |
A decrease in, or relief of pain. A specific pain diary needs to be kept for the first 48 hours following the injection. |
How long does it take? |
Thirty minutes plus approximately thirty minutes for recovery time. Please take your usual medication with a small sip of water unless otherwise instructed. |
Risks involved: |
Risks include increased pain, headache, bleeding, infection, a reaction to any medications used, nerve damage, paraplegia/quadriplegia, or death. |
Side effects: |
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- YOU WILL NEED SOMEONE TO DRIVE YOU TO AND FROM THE SURGICAL CENTER
- NO FOOD OR DRINK FOR 6-HOURS PRIOR TO THE SCHEDULED TIME OF YOUR INJECTION
- HOLD ASPIRIN FOR 7 DAYS AND HOLD NSAID’S (Naproxen, Ibuprofen) FOR 3 DAYS PRIOR TO INJECTION.
- FOR BLOOD THINNERS (Coumadin, Heparin, Plavix) SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR FOR SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS.
Patient Instructions:
- No driving for the rest of the day.
- Apply ice to the area every 15 minutes as needed.
- Continue exercises and stretches as before and as tolerated by pain.
- Drink extra fluids for the next 24 hours.
- Take pain medication if needed as prescribed.
- Monitor your level of pain or pain relief from the time the injection is completed.
- Guard the affected area if numbness is present.
- Follow up as directed
- IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE CALL 303-423-8334