Recommend Nerve Block?

Hi! I have yet to get into a Chiari Dr but have been seeing a dr and a neurologist in the mean time.  My follow up appointment with my neurologist is this coming Monday (2 days).  He said we would do a nerve block if I'm not better by then & of course I keep feeling worse & worse.  Haven't found any info on this & he doesn't seem to really know anything about it (chiari-just the pinched nerves).  Anyone know if this could hurt anything or not?  My physical therapy ended-they said they don't think they can help me-but said some people get relief with these nerve blocks and some don't.  I'm up for any relief!  Anyone have any knowledge in this area??

[actressmouse]

I have firsthand knowledge of this procedure -- I had it done in Feb. 2011.  First off, they are expensive.  My insurance refused to cover it because they deemed it "experimental".  I appealed once, with no success, so I was stuck paying out of pocket.  This aside, the procedure was done in the NL office.  I had 4 injections into the occipital region of my skull.  It didn't hurt...pinched alittle, but nothing compared to the headaches I endure.  The relief was instant....it lasted roughly 36 hours...then I was slammed by the headaches again.  The NL concluded that since the relief was short-lived, it would not be advantageous of me to continue the blocks.  SO, for 36 hours I got to feel like my old self.  Talking about it brings me to tears, because it was so good to get a glimpse of how I used to be.  This, of course, does not mean that you won't benefit from the nerve blocks.  You may have a very different experience insomuch as your relief might be shorter, longer, or not at all depending upon your physiology.  I think it was worth the try, even with the expense and it was something that needed to be explored before I could say, "yeah, that doesn't seem to work for me".  I wish you luck and a pain free future.

[actressmouse]

I have firsthand knowledge of this procedure -- I had it done in Feb. 2011.  First off, they are expensive.  My insurance refused to cover it because they deemed it "experimental".  I appealed once, with no success, so I was stuck paying out of pocket.  This aside, the procedure was done in the NL office.  I had 4 injections into the occipital region of my skull.  It didn't hurt...pinched alittle, but nothing compared to the headaches I endure.  The relief was instant....it lasted roughly 36 hours...then I was slammed by the headaches again.  The NL concluded that since the relief was short-lived, it would not be advantageous of me to continue the blocks.  SO, for 36 hours I got to feel like my old self.  Talking about it brings me to tears, because it was so good to get a glimpse of how I used to be.  This, of course, does not mean that you won't benefit from the nerve blocks.  You may have a very different experience insomuch as your relief might be shorter, longer, or not at all depending upon your physiology.  I think it was worth the try, even with the expense and it was something that needed to be explored before I could say, "yeah, that doesn't seem to work for me".  I wish you luck and a pain free future.

[Chula1968]

My neurologist wanted to give me botox- 21 injections into my neck and head for the pain- honestly- after researching- I wasn't too thrilled at the idea no matter how much pain I was in. It was only a "Temporairy fix" so I would have to have the proceedure every 3-6 months and There were so many  negitive side effects...They don't know what the future out come and side effects would be both for myself and any children I would choose to have after the treatments- I couldn't do it.

I use an external TENS unit on my upper shoulders and spine, take Proparanol (A blood pressure medicine that works as a nerve blocker-only 20- 40mg though (Depending on the pain) but I actually  find it works best as a mood stabilizer more than anything), I also have found that taking 1- Imipramine Pamoate 75mg cap at night relaxes me enough that I sleep and I don't have much pain during the day. Those three things seem to keep my head at bay with out the dangerous Botox injections.

Because I am attempting to conceive, I am off the Imipramine and all the other pain meds-completely and rely on Magnesuim, Folic Acid and my Tens unit. My headaches are very manageable at the moment- Granted it has only been two weeks but I am feeling stronger and my pain has decreased by over 1/2. I do miss the imipramine and take it only in emergencies now.

Again, this has been my experience and this has worked for me- It may not work for you- I just couldn't weigh the side effects that the botox injections and other medications would have down the road for me and any children I hope to have. I asked a lot of questions and my neurologist at the end told me not to have the injections. That doesn't mean they are off the table completely- I may have to go for them at some point. If I get to the I have to try anything to get through the next 20 minutes stage.

I personally would really recommend that anyone that has Chiari- get a portable external TENS unit- it works like nothing else- and because it is electrionic stimulation there are no drug side effects to contend with and I control the intensity of the unit. I keep mine on for most of the day If I am having a really bad pain day and I increase and decrease the stimulation as I need to...
I think because Chiari is so different for everyone- the pain management is different for everyone- I think it is just a trial and error sort of thing until you find what works for you and your body. I wish you the best and I hope that you can find the best way to control your pain. Keep us posted on how you are doing and what you decided to do :-)

[selmaS]

  I am so glad someone had this experience to share with u as I do not....I hope if u do try this u get some relief.

  "selma"

[sandy629]

  i got the 6 shots from the back of the head to the neck on each side. the first two times it was heaven but the third time was pain full.