Sympathetic Nerve Block

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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What do I need to know about a sympathetic nerve block?

A sympathetic nerve block is an injection of anesthesia medicine around nerves near your spine. You may need a sympathetic nerve block to locate an area of pain or to relieve nerve pain. It may also be used to control heavy sweating or relieve Raynaud syndrome. Your healthcare provider may recommend a series of nerve blocks if your pain or condition improves after the first.

How do I prepare for a sympathetic nerve block?

• Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare. You may be told not to eat or drink anything for a certain time before your procedure. You may need to arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure.
• Tell your provider if you or anyone in your family has ever had problems with anesthesia.
• Tell your provider about all the medicines you take, including vitamins and herbs. Your provider will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the nerve block, and when to stop. Your provider will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your nerve block.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

What will happen during a sympathetic nerve block?

• Your healthcare provider will ask you to rate your symptoms before the procedure. You will stay awake and alert during the procedure so you can answer questions.
• Your provider will find the area of the nerve group to be treated. Fluoroscopy (an x-ray that produces moving images), CT scans, or an ultrasound may be used to find the area. Anesthesia will be injected into the nerve group area.
• Your provider will again ask you to rate your symptoms.

What should I expect after a sympathetic nerve block?

• Healthcare providers will monitor you until you are fully alert. You may be able to go home when providers see you are okay.
• Your healthcare provider may tell you to rest the day after the nerve block. Your provider will tell you when you can drive and return to work or your normal daily activities.
• You may be asked to keep a record of your symptoms and activities. Include the date if your symptoms return.

What are the risks of a sympathetic nerve block?

You may have numbness, weakness, or trouble walking. Your blood pressure may get too high or too low. You may have anxiety, dizziness, or seizures if the anesthesia gets into your blood vessels. You may have bleeding, or a blood clot may form if the needle goes into a blood vessel. The needle may also go into other parts of your body and cause damage. If the needle goes into a nerve, you may feel burning, tingling, prickling, or severe pain.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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