Trigeminal Ganglion Nerve Blocks for Pain Management
Trigeminal Ganglion Nerve Blocks
Treatment Overview
A trigeminal ganglion nerve block is a procedure designed to manage facial pain by targeting the trigeminal nerve, which controls sensation and movement in the face. The trigeminal nerve and its surrounding nerve cells (ganglion) are essential for functions like biting, chewing and swallowing. This procedure offers relief by blocking pain signals at their source.
How the Procedure Works
During the procedure, a local anesthetic combined with a steroid is injected near the trigeminal ganglion, a collection of nerve cells at the skull’s base. This block can effectively reduce or eliminate pain signals from conditions like trigeminal neuralgia, a chronic pain disorder that causes severe facial pain. The procedure can provide both diagnostic information and therapeutic relief.
Who Benefits from a Trigeminal Ganglion Block
A trigeminal ganglion nerve block is particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from various types of chronic facial pain, including:
- Atypical Facial Pain: Chronic pain in the face that doesn’t fit the typical patterns of trigeminal neuralgia, often dull or aching.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: A condition characterized by sudden, severe facial pain that is often described as sharp or electric shock-like.
- Post-Herpetic Neuralgia: Persistent pain following a shingles outbreak affecting the trigeminal nerve.
- Facial Pain After Surgery or Trauma: Pain that lingers after surgical procedures or injuries involving the face.
What to Expect
- Preparation: The procedure is performed at our same-day surgery center. To ensure your comfort, you may receive sedation or local anesthesia.
- Procedure: Your provider will use imaging techniques, such as fluoroscopy or CT guidance, to carefully position a needle near the trigeminal ganglion. An anesthetic medication will be injected to block the pain signals from the trigeminal nerve.
- Recovery: After the procedure, you’ll be monitored briefly. Mild soreness or numbness may occur, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Most people can return to their normal activities the next day.
Insurance & Billing
Your eligibility for any procedure depends on the benefits outlined by your insurance provider, and our team at Nura will assist you with the authorization process.
Comprehensive Care
At Nura, we seamlessly integrate interventional procedures, physical therapy, psychological support and medications. Research shows that this comprehensive approach is the most effective way to manage chronic pain.
Find Pain Relief
Schedule an appointment with one of our pain specialists by filling out our appointment request form or giving us a call at 763-537-6000.
