Peripheral Nerve Blocks: Care Instructions

Overview

A peripheral nerve block uses medicine to block pain from a part of the body, such as an arm or a leg. It's used for a procedure or surgery done on one specific area of the body. It can also help with pain afterward. This can reduce the need for other pain medicines. Sometimes a nerve block may be used to relieve pain from an injury, such as a rib fracture.

Nerve blocks are shots of numbing medicine into the area near a nerve or group of nerves. There are different types of peripheral nerve blocks. The type that is used depends on the area of the body that needs to be numbed.

Problems after a nerve block are rare. There's a small risk of nerve damage, infection, or bleeding where the numbing medicine was given.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Follow all instructions from your doctor about how to take care of the area that was numbed.
• Be careful not to injure the area while it's still numb.
  • If you move the area, move it slowly and carefully.
  • Be careful with hot and cold. Since you won't feel pain, it's easier for skin damage from heat or cold to happen.
• If your doctor leaves a small tube in place to help you stay numb after your procedure, follow your doctor's instructions about how to use it and take care of it.

If you had sedation or general anesthesia

• Don't sign legal documents or do anything that requires attention to detail until you recover. It takes time for the medicine's effects to completely wear off.
• Don't drive or operate any machinery for at least 24 hours. Wait until the medicine wears off and you can think clearly and react easily.
• When you get home, make sure to rest until the anesthesia has worn off. Some people will feel drowsy or dizzy for up to a few hours after waking up.
• Take your time and move slowly. Sudden changes in position may cause nausea.
• Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
• Don't drink alcohol for 24 hours.
• You can eat your normal diet, unless your doctor gives you other instructions. Start with small amounts. If your stomach is upset, try clear liquids and bland, low-fat foods like plain toast or rice.
• Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor tells you not to).
• If you have sleep apnea and you have a CPAP machine, be sure to use it.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have trouble breathing.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have new or worse nausea or vomiting.
• You have a fever.
• The medicine is not wearing off by the time the doctor said it should.
• You have injured the numb area of your body.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You do not get better as expected.