Procedural Overview

To diagnose the root cause of brachial plexus nerve pain or to reduce it, the brachial plexus block procedure is administered which is a minimally invasive therapy method. The ache in the upper extremity can happen due to various reasons like peripheral neuropathies, CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome), and even due to Tumors/Cancer treatments that invade the brachial nerve thereby putting pressure on it.

 

Brachial plexus block is a sort of localized anesthesia given to the patient to determine the root cause as well as the precise spot of the pain’s origin. The block, if it relaxes the intensity of the pain, acts as a marker that the precise location and cause of the pain have been identified. However, if the pain does not subside then the doctor takes other channels for treating the patient.

 

The block can be administered with high accuracy if the pain management specialist has already diagnosed the source and cause of pain. This way, the physician can administer the brachial block, giving the patient instant relief and increased body functionality.

 

In this therapy method, for the injection to be applied at the exact spot, a fluoroscope, which can be understood as a live X-Ray, is employed by the pain and spine specialist. Proper disinfecting measures are undertaken to clean the neck where the injection will be given before the commencement of the procedure. After the identification of the location where the injection has to be administered, the physician will then inject a concoction of long-lasting steroids and a local anesthetic drug.

 

After Care

If the diagnosis of the pain is done with high precision then the ailing person will feel an immediate relief in the pain due to the local anesthetic and steroid solution. The preliminary relief is provided by the anesthetic, and once its effect dwindles, the long-lasting relief is given by the steroid that can extend from days to even months.

 

However, there are side-effects too that accompany the brachial blocks like infection, bleeding/hematoma, allergies, and weight gain. Minute discomfort might be felt at the location where the injection was administered – a simple ice pack application can solve this. In the majority of cases, patients can go back to their normal routine the very next day.

 

We at Dunes Pain Specialists ensure the patient’s comfort throughout the therapy.