What to expect from a diagnostic nerve block

[tedstriker]

Hi

Last week I had a diagnostic nerve block with steroid.
The pain and swelling diminished within a few minutes; the pain start to return around 2 hours after the block and really started hurting about 6 hours after, the swelling returned the next morning and I have had increased pain over the last 5 days since the block.
The pain has gradually calmed down to what it was before the block, maybe a bit of increased sensitivity at the moment.
Is this normal following a nerve block; are the diagnostic blocks different to other blocks?

Thanks
Rob

[Tuckamore]

I think your right Rob. They will probably suggest a repeat. I hope your next one will have better results.

The journey through Chronic Pain is difficult to say the least... no matter the location of your pain.

I'll be interested to know the results of the second injection.

Best of Luck,
~Tuck

[tedstriker]

Hi thank you for your response.
It was a supratrochlear nerve block, they performed the injection above the inside corner of my left brow.
The strange thing is, the pain always felt like it was all the way across the forehead and across the bridge of the nose.
This is what got us looking into the supratrochlear nerve because it has a nerve feeding off which goes to the bridge of the nose.
Anyhow the pain went but when it came back it was more direct to the area, you could feel the pain radiating from the left side of the nose all the way to the area where the injection was; after a few days it was back to normal and the pain was dull and across the whole area again.
I presume going on that the block had an effect and they'll perform another one.

Kind Regards
Rob

[Tuckamore]

Hi Rob,

You've asked some good questions. There are different types of blocks.

The differance is usually in the medications as well as the goal of the block. Sometimes terminology can be confusing.  

A diagnostic block is just that, used to diagnose a condition. It can produce more pain or a "flare" if you will, in varying degrees.  The fact that you had almost no pain for several hours should indicate that they found the location of your pain and possibly a diagnosis.

I assume you had the "block" in your spinal canal. I've had them in my SI Joint. Blocks can be in multiple locations of your body.

Hope this was helpful.... and glad you are feeling better.

Take Care,
~Tuck