Pain Blocks
Houston

Therapeutic head and neck nerve blocks, containing a local anesthetic, are performed to control acute pain. In some cases, these treatments can help patients avoid surgery.

What are head and neck nerve blocks?

Head and neck pain blocks in Houston are performed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Diagnostic nerve blocks, containing injectable anesthetic of known duration, can help physicians determine sources of pain.

Am I a candidate for head and neck nerve blocks?

Different areas and types of pain require different types of nerve blocks. You may be a good candidate for head and neck pain management if you are experiencing persistent pain in the:

Face
Eyelids and scalp
Forehead
Upper jaw
Nose and palate
Neck and back
Upper neck and shoulder

What can I expect with a head or neck nerve block?

Your exact procedure will depend on the type of head or neck block Dr. Seifert recommends. Depending on your unique condition and symptoms, options for treatment may include:

Sphenopalatine ganglion block: This is a pain blocks in Houston procedure to treat headaches. The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) is a collection of nerve cells that supply the lacrimal (tear) glands and the inner lining of the nose and sinuses. The SPG is located just behind the bony structures of the nose. This nerve block is performed through the nose, which is the least invasive way to access the ganglion. SPG blocks are used to treat cluster headaches, migraines, atypical facial pain, and other conditions.

Trigeminal ganglion block: This nerve block involves an injection of a local anesthetic around the trigeminal ganglion, a collection of nerve cells from which the trigeminal nerve arises, to treat pain or muscle spasms in the face. The injection site is just to the side of the mouth. Trigeminal ganglion blocks are performed to treat trigeminal neuralgia, a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. If you are suffering from this condition, even mild stimulation of the face, such as brushing your teeth or applying facial products, can trigger a jolt of severe pain.

Why choose Dr. Seifert for head and neck nerve blocks in Houston, Texas?

Dr. Heidi Seifert is an interventional anesthesiologist with primary interests in diagnostic and therapeutic spinal injections and state-of-the-art regenerative techniques.
She utilizes evidence-based medicine to promote regeneration and healing of pain generators in the joints, spine, and musculoskeletal system.
In our practice, we are compassionate, high tech, and use the latest techniques. We treat our patients just as we would treat our own family members.

What is the recovery like after a head or neck nerve block in Houston, Texas?

Side effects are rare and minimal with head and neck pain blocks in Houston. You may experience mild discomfort after the procedure, which may include a numb sensation when swallowing, lightheadedness, bitter taste from the anesthesia, and possible bleeding from the nose after an SPG block. These side effects typically resolve within minutes to a few hours after the procedure.

FAQ

What exactly is a nerve block?

Groups of nerves, called plexus or ganglion, can cause pain in specific organs or areas of the body. A nerve block is an injection of nerve-numbing medication (anesthetic) into a specific area to block the pain.

What are the different uses of nerve blocks?

Nerve blocks are used for therapeutic purposes, to treat acute pain, and for diagnostic purposes, to determine sources of pain. Prognostic nerve blocks help doctors predict whether surgery would be successful in treating pain. Preemptive nerve blocks are performed to help prevent pain following a procedure, such as amputation, which can result in phantom limb pain.

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Pain Blocks Houston