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Nerve Blocks

Comprehensive Headache Center & Multiple Sclerosis Specialists located in Spokane Valley, WA

Nerve Blocks

Nerve Blocks services offered in Spokane Valley, WA

Nerves are part of the communication system for your nervous system, relaying information between your body and brain. Nerve blocks stop the transmission of pain signals to the brain, benefitting many chronic pain conditions. Wade Steeves, MD, at Valley Neurology in Spokane, Washington, provides nerve blocks to treat headache conditions. To find out more about nerve blocks and how they may provide long-term relief from your head pain, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

 

Nerve Blocks Q&A

What are nerve blocks?

Nerve blocks are medical treatments that stop (or block) the transmission of nerve signals from the body to the brain and vice versa. Health care providers perform nerve blocks to treat pain conditions, improving quality of life.

 

These medical treatments may include medications to numb the nerve and reduce inflammation or procedures that intentionally damage the nerve to stop signaling (usually temporarily).

Am I a candidate for nerve blocks?

Your provider at Valley Neurology determines if you’re a candidate for nerve blocks after a consultation. The professional neurologists specialize in diagnosing and treating all types of chronic headaches, including:

 

  • Chronic migraine
  • Tension headache
  • Trigeminal neuralgia (TN)
  • Trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TACs)
  • Cluster headache

 

If medical interventions fail to relieve the pain caused by your chronic headache, your provider at Valley Neurology may recommend nerve blocks so you get long-term relief from your symptoms. 

What happens during nerve blocks?

The specifics of your nerve blocks at Valley Neurology depend on your headache type and the recommended treatment. Your neurologist reviews the details of your treatment at your consultation so you know what to expect.

 

The neurologists at Valley Neurology may also perform an occipital nerve block to ease other types of chronic headaches. The occipital nerve runs from the base of your skull up through the back of your head.  Injecting a numbing agent, such as lidocaine, will temporarily deaden the occipital nerve, and thus block pain signaling.  This will often stop or significantly reduce headache pain.

 

Your provider may perform your nerve block at the office or an outpatient center. You may need to arrange to have someone drive you home after the nerve block and plan to take it easy for the remainder of the day.

How long do nerve blocks last?

Pain relief following a nerve block varies. However, you should experience relief for at least three months, sometimes longer.

 

Your neurologist at Valley Neurology schedules regular follow-ups to monitor your head pain and provide additional nerve blocks as needed.

 

To find out more about nerve blocks at Valley Neurology, call the office or request a consultation online today.