Exam time: 40 minutes
Most exams require patient to remain at our facility 30 minutes after the procedure.
An injection into the sheath surrounding a nerve root is performed in order decrease pain temporarily and to define it more precisely. The exam uses therapeutic steroid and local anesthetic to decrease pain and inflammation. Pain relief from the procedure varies from minimal to long-term, depending on the specific symptoms.
Symptoms must be present for this procedure to be effective. If the patient is not experiencing symptoms prior to the procedure, he/she should cancel the appointment and reschedule the exam once the symptoms have returned.
Patients will remain awake throughout the test. A radiologist will use a thin needle to place anesthetic and steroid into the nerve sheath and will check the needle position by means of a fluoroscope or X-Ray connected to a viewing monitor. Contrast agent is placed into the nerve sheath to document the needle position. During the injection, patients may feel pressure or pain.
PREPARATION/RESTRICTIONS:
- Symptoms must be present at time of appointment.
- Stop blood thinners 4-5 days in advance; stop pain medication 8 hours in advance.
- Patient should bring previous imaging studies on film or cd related to the body part being treated.
- Patient will need a driver.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Side effects of the steroid medications--which affect only 5% of patients and disappear within 1-3 days--include facial flushing, insomnia, occasional low grade fever, and increase in blood sugar.
Due to the effects of certain medications, the patient's driving reflexes may be impaired. Consequently, he/she should arrange for a driver in advance or request assistance from our facility.