INFUSIONS FOR NERVE PAIN

According to the study by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), Neuropathic pain is defined as “pain caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system”. Neuropathic pain is a common condition that is caused due to nerve damage or injury characterized by subjective negative and positive symptoms ranging from numbness to torturous pain that can put a negative impact on a patient’s life. A nerve block is a dose of sedation on or close to the Nerve pain injection linked to a specific nerve or joint which obstructs the pain temporarily. The aftermath of the infusion is normally speedy which just requires some investment for the medicine to accomplish help with the discomfort and uneasiness. Nerve blocks last for a week or two and then subsides gradually.

It may be done once or twice depending on the requirements. There are several side effects such as

·        Increment in the blood sugar level,

·        Rash,

·        Itching,

·        Weight gain,

·        Soreness at the place of injection,

·        Bleeding

·        Death in rare cases.

Nerve blocks can be made in areas like facet joints of the spine, hip joints, sacroiliac joints and coccyx, shoulders, elbows, and hands, knees, ankle and foot, occipital, saphenous, pudendal nerves. This procedure is performed by physiatrists (PM&R), radiologists, anesthesiologists, neurologists, and surgeons. Before the treatment, the doctor goes through medical history and plans a suitable place for injecting accordingly. Usually, it is done in an outpatient special suite that has access to fluoroscopy which may last 15-45 minutes followed by the betterment period. During this procedure, the patient is asked to sign the consent forms.

The patient is made to lie down on the x-ray table and to numb the treating area local anesthesia like valium or versed is only used. Throughout the procedure, he may feel uneasy but he remains awake and aware of his surroundings. After the completion of the treatment, in most cases, patients can walk around immediately. One can return only after he is kept in observation for a short period. If any soreness, he can use ice or may take a mild analgesic like Tylenol. Although there exist numerous nerve blocks, this treatment cannot be used on a regular basis. Only the doctor can recommend whether this treatment appropriate for the patient or not.