[Jebbyfur]

Went to see mynuero. He wants me to have nerve block in occipital to totally kill the nerve and fix the occipital head pain. I told him I disscussed with my pain doctor who said that would cause permanent numbness and was dangerous because if i did injury head i woul'nt know it. I also told him about the phantom pains and neuro said it was still way to go. What are your thoughts? Anyone do this cause the stims arenot an option due to insurance. Jen

[Macophile]

I have the same issue, When I first injured myself they gave me novacane patches and after a couple months they seemed to kinda work (it got basically better- except for the occasional flare) but now it is flaring most of the time and my Neuro keeps telling me I should do the nerve block, but I am not sure about this... if anyone has any experience with this I would love to hear about it...

[EE03]

I'm not sure of what you are talking about. Nerve blocks are not permanent procedures. I've had three to date and they aren't known to do permanent damage to the nerve. They are injections with anesthetics and steroids. My pain doctor uses marcaine which is a long acting local. Please clarify what procedures you are speaking of. EE

[Kathi49]

EE03,

There IS one procedure that WILL kill the nerve permanently and for the life of me I can't remember the name of it. But 10 years ago or so the PM I had at the time mentioned this to me but also WARNED me I would have permanent numbness. At the time I was almost ready to go for it but as he said, patients that proceed with this sometimes wish they had the pain back because the permanent numbness drove them nuts! I just wish I could remember the name of the procedure.

The nerve blocks you and I and others have had are NOT the same thing. As you said, they are not permanent and wear off. I still get injections but not occipital ones; mainly FACET injections at the C2/C3 (at times) and/or SNI's on very rare occasions (think I have had maybe 3 in 10 years).

Anyway, long story short and going back to this permanent procedure, I opted out!! I also opted out of any RF's ONLY because I had already been told I would need a fusion (actually turned out to be two fusions).

[EE03]

Kathi,

I was told not to consider an ablation(RFA) to the occipital nerves as it would most likely cause permanent pain. My doctor said he won't do that to me. He is also trying to send me to a neurologist for medical management which I hate the thought of but I guess he's getting frustrated.

Anyway, I'm still confused about what she is talking about. And, what is a SNI?

[Macophile]

All I know is my Migraine Dr. says he wants to give me a nerve block for the Occipital Nerve, and he ways it is just numbing med's to calm down the nerve- he said it could last 5 years or so and then it might flare again. I am wondering though if it is going to be similar to the steroid injections I got in my lower back.... those hurt- they reminded me of my spinal tap.

[EE03]

Macophile,

The occipital blocks I've had were injections into the back of the skull where the occipital nerves are. The doctor uses a device that helps locate the nerves. The doctor doesn't go through the bone, just to be clear. My doctor numbs the area so it hasn't hurt me. He uses Marcaine and also injects some steroids into the area. After its done, there is a lump where the meds are and it goes down as the meds are absorbed.

I've had epidural steroid injections and facet injections and the occipital nerve block doesn't feel anything like those. I think if you go through with it, you'll be glad you did. I have always been glad I've done them.

Take care and low pain wishes

[Kathi49]

EE03,

Me too! Was and am glad I have the injections. But since my fusions I haven't had to have an occipital nerve injections; just facet injections at C2/C3 from time to time.

Anyway, no, the procedure I was trying to think of was NOT an RF. I know what that is. It was called something else. I am going to have to find out what the PERMANENT procedure is called. With RF's it is usually, as far as I know, the medial branch nerve that runs across the facet that is ablated. And that particular nerve's sole function in life is just to transmit pain...it is NOT a motor nerve. And those nerves grow back in in a matter of 6 months or so.

Oh, and an SNI is a Selective Nerve Root Injection. I have had those done at C6 but I think only 3 times in 10 years. They are more risky as the doc gets close to the nerve. And those dudes are motor nerves. I know because when he did it my arm flopped like a fish. But he backed off quick; didn't hit it or anything just got a little close. My husband has had the same SNI done in his lumbar.

I have to laugh at DH because he USED to say I don't understand why SOMETIMES the injections hurt you so bad. Well, that's because he always had had an ESI. Well, when he had the SNI, I heard him cuss from two doors down LOL! He said it electrified his leg. But, hey, he was okay; just finally realized that these things are not at all pleasant but we go forth to be rid of the pain. You know...a grin and bear it deal.

And one last thing now that I am on a roll LOL! It is the Facet injections that ALWAYS are painful to me. They are the worst! BUT my PM explained that for most people they are the EASIEST; it's just that my facets are forever inflamed. Anyway, my PM is great and laughs when I say the SNI's are easier on me. According to him most people hate them. So, go figure LOL!

[EE03]

Kathi,

Thanks for your post. I agree with you on the facets. Of all the ones I've had done, those puppies hurt me the most. Like you, my facets are pretty inflamed so I know what you mean.

Thanks for the clarification on the SNI too.

Mac and Oliverjenniferm, I hope this helps you.

Also, Kathi perhaps you're thinking about when they cut the nerve? I know anytime they cut nerves it's badddddd....

[charliebubs]

Originally Posted by EE03

Kathi,

Thanks for your post. I agree with you on the facets. Of all the ones I've had done, those puppies hurt me the most. Like you, my facets are pretty inflamed so I know what you mean.

Thanks for the clarification on the SNI too.

Mac and Oliverjenniferm, I hope this helps you.

Also, Kathi perhaps you're thinking about when they cut the nerve? I know anytime they cut nerves it's badddddd....

Hey guys,

Yeah, when they sever the nerves it's permanent.

I've had RFA once and three lots of nerve root blocks (steroids and local anaesthetic). These are not permanent, as you say.

Not sure I fancy having the nerves cut..........but never say never if I'm desperate enough!!!