Trigeminal Nerve Block

What is a Trigeminal Nerve Block?

A Trigeminal Nerve Block is an injection procedure to target pain that arises from the trigeminal nerve, which provides sensation to the face. It is commonly performed in patients with trigeminal neuralgia or facial pain syndromes.

What are the benefits of a Trigeminal Nerve Block?

Directing the injection and medication to specific nerves aids in:
Identifying the Source of Pain
– Helps determine if the trigeminal nerve is the source of facial pain.
– If pain relief occurs after the block, it confirms the nerve is involved, guiding further treatment.
Provides Targeted Pain Relief
– Can reduce or eliminate pain
– May relieve burning, aching, or stabbing sensations in the facial region.
Improves Function
– By reducing pain, patients may are able to function without pain interruption

Common Indications:
Trigeminal neuralgia
Facial pain

How does a Trigeminal Nerve Block work?

A Trigeminal Nerve Block is a targeted injection to the nerve in the face, meant to target facial pain. It is performed using two medications.

When this injection is used for diagnostic and therapeutic goals, the trigeminal nerve is injected with an anesthetic as well as a steroid medication. The anesthetic (numbing medication) is to help identify immediate pain relief and validate the trigeminal nerve as the source of the patient’s pain. The steroid medication is to help reduce inflammation in the nerve, which may help relieve pain for more extended period of time.

How to prepare a Trigeminal Nerve Block?

The first step to determine your eligibility to receive a Trigeminal Nerve Block is to perform a thorough physical examination and carefully consider your medical and family history.

– Medical Clearance (if needed)
If you have heart conditions, bleeding disorders, or infections, your provider may require clearance from your primary doctor or specialist.

What to expect after the procedure?

Trigeminal Nerve Block are usually performed in under 20 minutes with the patient’s ability to go home the same day after a short recovery period.

During the diagnostic testing of the nerve with numbing medication, the expectation is to get temporary relief from pain that only lasts for a day or so. Once this injection is performed, we want you to engae in physical activity to test if it was helpful. This confirms that the nerve is the source of pain.

When using diagnostic and therapeutic testing of the nerve with numbing and steroid medication, the above still applies. In addition, it can take 2 to 3 days for the steroids to take effect and provide longer term relief.