Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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After Assessment
After assessment and observation, you can now leave hospital. You have been reviewed and seem well on the road to recovery. When you get home, it is unlikely there will be further problems.
But if any of the following happen, we suggest that you return, or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
- Unconsciousness, or lack of full consciousness (for example, problems keeping eyes open
- Any confusion (muddled or not knowing where you are)
- Any drowsiness (feeling sleepy) that extends longer than one hour, when normally you would be wide awake.
- Difficulty waking
- Any problems understanding or speaking
- Any loss of balance or problems walking
- Any weakness in one or more arms or legs
- Any new problems with your eyesight
- Very painful headache, not resolved with paracetamol or Ibuprofen
- Any vomiting
- Any fits (collapsing or passing out suddenly)
- Clear fluid / bleeding/ from ear or nose
- New deafness in one or both ears
Do not worry
You may experience other symptoms (see below) over the next few days, these should disappear in the next two weeks.
- Mild headache
- Feeling sick
- Dizziness
- Irritability or bad temper
- Problems concentrating or problems with memory
- Tiredness
- Lack of appetite or problems sleeping
However if these problems do not resolve within two weeks you should see your GP.
How to aid your recovery
- Encourage plenty of rest and avoid stressful situations
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Take paracetamol and/or Ibuprofen if pain relief is required
- Do not stay alone in the home for the first 48 hours after leaving hospital
- Do not play any contact sport (for example football/ rugby) for at least three weeks without talking to your GP first.
- Do not take alcohol or illicit drugs
- Do not take sleeping pills, sedatives or tranquilisers unless they are prescribed by a doctor.
- Do not return to normal school, college or work activity until you have fully recovered.
- Do not drive a car, motorbike, quad bike, motorised vehicle, ride a bicycle or operate machinery unless you have fully recovered, checked DVLA guidance and /or discussed with your GP.
Long term problems
Most patients recover quickly from their accident and experience no long-term problems.
However some patients only develop problems after a few weeks or months.
If you start to feel that things are not quite right with your recovery (for example, memory problems, feeling generally unwell not yourself) then please contact your GP for further assessment.
Other options
Call NHS 111, which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All calls are free https:/
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Emergency department (ED) service.
About this information
Service:
Emergency department (ED)
Reference:
A/017
Approval date:
1 November 2024
Review date:
1 November 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.