What Is It?
A block that is performed under fluoroscopy to determine if there is damage to the sympathetic nerve chain and if it is the source of the patient's arm pain. This is primarily a diagnostic block, but it may provide pain relief in excess of the duration of the anesthetic.


How Is It Done?
A local skin anesthetic is given near the base of the neck on the affected side. The anesthesiologist inserts a needle near the transverse process of the cervical spine, usually at the cervical-6 level. A sterile tubing is attached to the needle and anesthetic medication is slowly injected through the tubing.


Expected Results?
The patient may note increased warmth and redness of the painful arm during and after the injection. The patient can expect voice hoarseness, eye redness, eyelid drooping and pupillary constriction for four to eight hours after the injection. Pain relief may be noted immediately. Duration of relief is variable. The patient must assess their pain relief over the first three to four hours after the injection and report this to the anesthesiologist.


How Long Does It Take?
It takes less than thirty minutes for the procedure followed by several hours of evaluation and recovery.

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