What are the risks of nerve blocks?

Side Effects and Risks of Nerve Blocks

• Elevated blood sugars.
• Rash.
• Itching.
• Weight gain.
• Extra energy.
• Soreness at the site of injection.
• Bleeding.
• Death (in rare cases)

How long does it take to recover from a nerve block?

After the injection, you will probably experience a sensation of pain relief in the area injected. This will typically last up to one or two weeks, or even permanently in some cases.

Can you get paralyzed from a nerve block?

Nerve blocks can cause serious complications, including paralysis and damage to the arteries that supply blood to the spinal cord.

What can I expect after a nerve block injection?

You can expect some post-procedure discomfort or soreness that will also improve within days of the injection. The local anesthetic doesn’t last long and for some people, it may take a while for the steroid to work and provide a long-term benefit. The peak effect of the steroid will usually be between 3 and 10 days.

Can nerve blocks make pain worse?

Side effects include muscle paralysis, weakness, or lasting numbness. In some rare cases, nerve blocks may actually irritate the nerve further, causing an increase in pain.

How long does a hand nerve block last?

How long will the nerve block last? This depends on the type of block performed and the type of numbing medication used. For example, nerve blocks for hand surgery usually last for 6-8 hours, but a nerve block for pain after total knee replacement can last for 12-24 hours.

Is it normal to have pain after a nerve block?

You might have some post-procedure soreness You can expect some post-procedure discomfort or soreness that will also improve within days of the injection. The local anesthetic doesn’t last long and for some people, it may take a while for the steroid to work and provide a long-term benefit.

How painful is a nerve block?

You can expect some post-procedure discomfort or soreness that will also improve within days of the injection. The local anesthetic doesn’t last long and for some people, it may take a while for the steroid to work and provide a long-term benefit.

When should I take pain meds after a nerve block?

We recommend that you start taking your prescribed pain medication, such as Vicodin®, or Oxycodone®, within 8- 10 hours after your block procedure, before the block wears off.