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903A South Greeley Highway, Cheyenne, WY 82007
307-633-8100 Fax: 307-633-8108
LUMBAR SYMPATHETIC
BLOCK
PATIENT INSTRUCTIONAL
HANDOUT
Your doctor has
recommended that you have a Lumbar Sympathetic Block in your back.
Please feel free to call us at 307-633-8190, should you have any
questions or concerns.
Neuropathic pain stems from damage to peripheral nerves sending
signals to the brain. The pain from these nerve signals can be
mistaken for other medical conditions so correct diagnosis is
critical for effective treatment. Using procedures such as lumbar
sympathetic blocks or stellate ganglion blocks into a regional area
may help identify the source of ongoing pain, and once identified,
repeated blocks with local anesthetic and/or long acting steroids
may reduce or eliminate pain from these areas.
The treatment plan for neuropathic pain can be quite
complex as the cause of peripheral nerve pain are many and may arise
from different medical conditions. Therefore a complete and
comprehensive history and physical exam is essential prior to
treatment. Dr. Ribnik will then determine whether or not nerve
blocks are indicated either for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
As mentioned above, repeated blocks may be indicated, or sometimes
continuous infusions via pump may provide pain relief. Continuous
infusion would be provided by an implanted system discussed later in
this site.
Please have someone
who can drive you home on the day of your block. Relaxation
medication may be given before your block which can make some people
sleepy afterwards. Also, some people experience soreness and/or
discomfort making it difficult to drive home.
The day of your
block you can expect the following:
- You will be
asked to sign a consent form which explains the block as well as
the potential risks and the benefits.
- The nurse will
start an IV in your arm to be used to give relaxation
medications.
- You will be
escorted to the Procedure Room and positioned on your stomach on
the procedure table.
- You will be
connected to a heart monitor, automatic blood pressure cuff and
a pulse oximetry finger probe which measures the oxygen in your
blood. These monitors help the staff to assess your condition
at all times.
- After you have
signed your consent form and have been connected to all the
monitors, you can receive relaxation medication.
- The technician
will clean your back with iodine soap.
- Once you are
positioned and prepped, your doctor will insert a small needle
into your back and inject a local anesthetic. You may feel some
pressure in your spine at this time.
- After the
doctor has finished and needle has been withdrawn, the
technician will wash your back and place Band-Aids.
- You will be
taken to the post-procedure area where a nurse will monitor your
vital signs for 15 minutes to one-half hour.
- Once the
monitoring period is completed, your IV will be taken out and
you may go home.
- A member of
the staff will call you two or three days after your block to
see how you are feeling. Please feel free to call before that
if you have any questions or concerns.
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