Trigeminal Nerve Block

Trigeminal nerves are responsible for sensations in your face and for helping you bite, chew and swallow. Common diagnoses include Trigeminal neuralgia, Herpes zoster infection (or “shingles”) affecting the face, or other atypical facial pain syndromes.

What is a Trigeminal Nerve Block?

This minimally invasive procedure is performed by our specialist using a steroid and anti-inflammatory mixture injected into or around your trigeminal nerve to reduce facial pain and is performed under fluoroscopy (X-ray) guidance.

What to expect during a Trigeminal Nerve Block procedure

Your pain specialist will have you lay on your back while they numb the surrounding skin with a local anesthetic. With fluoroscopic guidance they insert a small needle into your face and inject the steroid medication. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes, and you go home the same day.

What to expect after a Trigeminal Nerve Block procedure

Pain relief may begin immediately after the injection, but the pain may return a few hours later as the anesthetic wears off. Longer term relief usually begins in two to three days, once the steroid begins to work.

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