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Trigeminal ganglion block
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What is it:
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The trigeminal nerve is the nerve that supplies feeling and movement in the face. The
ganglion are the surrounding nerve cells.
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Purpose:
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A block is used when the trigeminal nerve causes extreme pain and muscle spasms in
the face when the pain occurs from:
- Trigeminal neuralgial
- Cluster headache
- Cancer related pain
- Atypical facial pain
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How is it Done:
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You will be asked to lie on your back on the x-ray table. The side of the face where
the pain is felt is cleaned with a special solution called betadine. Next, a local anesthesia
of lidocaine will be given to numb the area. Once the area is numb a needle is
inserted through the skin, which is directed under x-ray until it reaches the trigeminal
ganglion. A local anesthetic and steroid will then be injected after making sure that
the needle is not in a blood vessel or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
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