Sympathetic Nerve Block
Sympathetic Nerve Block
A sympathetic nerve block helps your doctor find the cause of the burning, pain, or tingling in your arms and hands or legs and feet. During the test, medicine is injected near your spine. This “blocks” the sympathetic nerves in that region. If these nerves are causing your problem, the injection will relieve your symptoms for an hour up to a few days, or more permanently. It is used for both diagnosis and treatment.
What are the sympathetic nerves?
The sympathetic nervous system is a network of nerves throughout your body. The nerves branch from your spine. They control some body functions, such as the closing of blood vessels and opening the sweat glands. A problem with these nerves can affect blood flow. Symptoms are often felt in the hands or feet. They may hurt, burn, feel cold, or be tender to the touch.
Sympathetic ganglions
The sympathetic nervous system is controlled by bunches of nerves called ganglions. One large ganglion, called the stellate ganglion, helps control nerves in the upper body. In the lower body, nerves are controlled by several ganglions that make up the sympathetic chain.
Risks and complications
Risks and complications are rare, but can include:
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Bleeding or fluid leakage in the spinal cord
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Puncture of a blood vessel
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Infection
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Lung puncture (pneumothorax)
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Nerve injury
Updated:
January 17, 2020
Reviewed By:
Fraser, Marianne, MSN, RN,Moe, Jimmy, MD