Our Procedure

A trigeminal nerve block is a procedure used to alleviate pain in the face, head, and neck regions by temporarily interrupting the pain signals transmitted by the trigeminal nerve, which is the main sensory nerve of the face. This block can be used both diagnostically to identify the source of pain and therapeutically to provide pain relief for conditions affecting the trigeminal nerve.

Trigeminal nerve blocks are commonly used to manage or treat the following conditions:

1. Trigeminal Neuralgia: Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition characterized by sudden, severe facial pain, often described as stabbing or electric shock-like sensations, usually on one side of the face.

2. Cluster Headaches: These are severe headaches that occur in cyclical patterns or clusters, often accompanied by intense pain around the eye or temple region.

3. Migraines: While trigeminal nerve blocks are not typically used as a first-line treatment for migraines, they may be recommended for patients who do not respond to other therapies or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

4. Facial Pain Syndromes: Various facial pain syndromes, including atypical facial pain and facial pain associated with other medical conditions, can be managed with trigeminal nerve blocks..

First, you’ll be given an intravenous medication to relax you. Then, you’ll lie on your back on an x-ray table. The doctor will insert a thin needle into the side of your face and inject anesthetic. Then, with x-ray guidance, your physician will insert a needle and inject a steroid pain medication. Generally, the procedure takes less than 10 minutes, and you can go home the same day.

Some patients report pain relief immediately after the injection, but the pain may return a few hours later as the anesthetic wears off. Longer-term relief usually begins in two to three days, once the steroid begins to work.

How long the pain relief lasts is different for each patient. Some may be pain-free for days or weeks. Usually people need a series of injections to continue the pain relief. The relief tends to last longer with each treatment.

RISK & SIDE EFFECTS

The risk of complication from a trigeminal nerve block is very low. However, there could be bruising, swelling or soreness at the injection site. Serious complications, including infection, bleeding and nerve damage, are uncommon.

Side effects of the procedure include:

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Numbness in your face

These effects will subside in a few hours.

Do not drive or do any rigorous activity for 24 hours after your trigeminal nerve block. Take it easy. You can return to your normal activities the next day.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a procedure that uses heat generated by radio waves to target and destroy specific nerve fibers. This technique is particularly effective for patients with trigeminal neuralgia who have not responded to other treatments.

RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION OF TRIGEMINAL GANGLION/ rftc - Done under local anaesthesia, Day care ,less expensive than surgery Precise as Ct guided/ iitv guide