Peripheral Nerve Block

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

What you need to know about a peripheral nerve block:

A peripheral nerve block is a type of regional anesthesia. Medicine is given as an injection to numb part of your body. The arm and leg are the most common areas for a peripheral nerve block. Other areas include the head, neck, back, abdomen, collarbone, and hip. You may need a peripheral nerve block during surgery or a procedure. You may have less pain after surgery, and be able to go home sooner. Peripheral nerve blocks can also be used to treat chronic pain. The pain relief usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks.

How to prepare for a peripheral nerve block:

• Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare. Your provider may tell you not to eat or drink anything for a certain time before your procedure. You may need to arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you or anyone in your family has ever had problems with anesthesia.
• Tell your provider about all the medicines you take, including vitamins and herbs. Your provider will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the nerve block, and when to stop. Your provider will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your nerve block.

What will happen during a peripheral nerve block:

• You may receive medicine in your IV to make you sleepy and more relaxed. Your healthcare provider may use an ultrasound or nerve stimulator to find the nerves to numb. An ultrasound uses sound waves to show pictures of the body area on a monitor. A nerve stimulator uses a small electrical current that causes your muscle to twitch when the nerve is found.
• When the nerves are found, a needle will be put through your skin into the tissue near the nerve. Anesthesia will be given through the needle into tissues around the nerve to be numbed. Medicine to reduce bleeding may also be given. You may have some discomfort when the numbing medicine is given. Your body part may feel tingly before it becomes numb.

What to expect after a peripheral nerve block:

• Healthcare providers will monitor you until you are fully alert. You may be able to go home when providers see you are okay.
• You may be sore where the needle went into your skin. You may also have muscle spasms, body aches, or a warm feeling in your arm or leg. These are all normal and should get better soon.
• You may be asked to keep a record of your symptoms and activities. Include the date if your symptoms return.

Risks of a peripheral nerve block:

You may have bruising or bleeding in the nerve block area. You may develop an infection. You may have a hoarse voice, blurry vision, or a droopy eye. These are usually temporary. If the medicine enters a vein or you get too much, you may get headaches and have muscle twitching. You could also have a seizure or a heart attack. The peripheral nerve block may cause nerve damage, chronic pain, or loss of function of the body part. A peripheral nerve block in your upper body may damage your lungs.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
  • Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
  • You may also have any of the following:
    • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat
• You have trouble breathing.
• You have a seizure.

Seek care immediately if:

• You develop swelling or hives.
• You have a severe headache or muscle twitching that does not go away.
• You have nausea or are vomiting.

Call your doctor or neurologist if:

• You have a fever.
• You have increased numbness or pain in the numbed area.
• You feel faint.
• You have questions or concerns about peripheral nerve blocks.

Self-care:

Your healthcare provider may give you specific instructions. The following are general safety guidelines:

• Rest the day after the nerve block. Your provider will tell you when you can drive and return to work or your normal daily activities. Change positions often. This will keep you from putting pressure on the area.
• Prop the area or surround it with pillows while you sleep. This will keep you from rolling over onto the area while you sleep. It will also keep you from putting pressure on the area.
• Protect the area from injury. Move slowly and carefully so you do not bump the numbed body part. Do not touch anything that might be hot. You might not feel the skin burn until it is severe. Protect the area in hot and cold weather.
• Keep a record of your symptoms and activities. Include the date if your symptoms return.

Follow up with your doctor or neurologist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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