Advice after your nerve block for surgery
On this page…
Introduction
We have been advised by your hospital consultant that you need to have a nerve root
injection performed in the Radiology (X-ray) Department under imaging control. This
information tells you about the procedure, what is involved, and what the possible risks are.
We will use one or more types of radiology method to guide the needle into the correct place in the body such as Ultrasound and/or Fluoroscopy within Radiology department.
The procedure will be performed by a radiologist (doctor specialising in medical imaging) who may be assisted by a radiographer and / or a radiology nurse.
What is Fluoroscopy?
Fluoroscopy is a process that uses X-rays to produce a real time moving image on a
television monitor.
What is Ultrasound?
An ultrasound scan is an examination that uses sound waves to take pictures of the part of the body being examined. It does not involve X-rays.
Before your appointment
Please let us know if:
- you are taking any medication which impair the bloods ability to clot (anticoagulation or blood thinning drugs) e.g. Warfarin or clopidigrel, or, if you are aware that you may have bleeding problems.
- you are on medication that suppresses your immune system eg methotrexate or beta interferon, or steroids.
- you have an infection or any other medical condition which may mean we need to reschedule this appointment
- there is any possibility that you may be pregnant. All patients from 12-55 years of age (regardless of gender) who will undergo a Radiology procedure will be asked about the possibility of them being pregnant.
- you will need an interpreter. We are not able to use family members or friends to interpret.
In order to make your appointment run more smoothly, please let us know if any of these apply, in advance, by calling our bookings team (contact details are displayed on the main Radiology page).
On Arrival
Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time.
On arrival in the department you should check in at the reception desk. Bring this letter with you and be prepared to confirm your details with the receptionist. Please allow time to do this prior to your appointment time and bear in mind that the reception may be busy. Once you have been booked in you will be directed to the waiting area. Please be aware that patients are attending for different examinations and patients who arrive after you may be called before you.
What to wear
Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area of the body to be injected. We may ask you to change into a hospital gown, if needed.
Giving my consent (permission)
We want to involve you in decisions about your care and treatment. The procedure will be explained to you by the radiologist (doctor specialising in medical imaging). You will be able to ask any further questions that you may have. You will be asked to sign a consent form confirming that you understand the procedure and are aware of the risks and benefits involved.
If you do not wish to have the scan or are undecided, please tell the radiologist. It is your decision and you can change your mind at any time.
If the radiologist feels that your condition has changed or that your symptoms do not indicate such a procedure is necessary then they will explain this to you and they will communicate with the referring doctor who will review your situation as soon as possible.
The Procedure
Your procedure will be performed by a radiologist who will be working with a radiographer and a team of nurses. After positioning you on an examination couch, the area being treated will be exposed and a scan will identify the correct location for the injection. The area will then be sprayed with a cleaning fluid. The ultrasound will be used to guide a needle to the correct position and a mix of steroid, local anaesthetic and x-ray dye will be injected under x-ray imaging. This injection can recreate your symptoms which can be uncomfortable but this should ease off quickly.
After the Examination
You will be free to resume your daily activities. Steroid injections can take a few days to have a noticeable effect. The steroid lasts for up to six weeks but the effects of the injection can sometimes last much longer
Risks
- Discomfort: You may experience some discomfort immediately after the procedure. This is usually mild and can be helped with over-the-counter painkillers if required. Occasionally steroid injections can worsen your symptoms temporarily (steroid flare).
- Bleeding: Any injection carries a small risk of bleeding particularly if you are on anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication. On very rare occasions, this may become severe.
There may be some bruising around the injection site but this is unlikely to cause you a problem. - Infection: If you experience redness, swelling or tenderness around the injection site, please see your GP or a walk-in clinic within 24 hours as this may require treatment.
- Glucose control: If you are diabetic and require insulin, you may experience low or high blood glucose levels after a steroid injection. Please monitor this closely after the procedure until it returns to your normal pattern.
- Facial flushing: This is not common. If this does happen, it is temporary and typically goes away within a couple of days.
- Skin depigmentation: Occasionally steroid injections can cause the skin around where the needle has been inserted to become slightly paler in colour
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Radiology service.
About this information
Service:
Radiology
Reference:
PILS-IR.7
Approval date:
3 October 2024
Review date:
3 October 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.