I am experiencing dizzyness/vertigo since yesterday which is getting worse. I haven't had this before and it is noted as a possible side effect of the medial branch block. Has anyone had this and do you know if its permanent or something that will pass? It's really an uncomfortable feeling. If I move too quickly, it gets worse rapidly. Any insight would be greatly appreciated, ellena

Hi Ellena,

What level was blocked? In any case, it is VERY COMMON to have dizziness after a (facet) medial branch nerve block....especially if it was high up there which I am assuming it was. Hang in there and give it some time; it should dissipate. If it doesn't in a couple of days, call the doc back. But honestly you should be fine. I KNOW it is a sickening and uncomfortable feeling and can throw you off balance too. So, just go easy...oh, and an ice pack or heat pack MIGHT help a bit. I am not quite sure what causes it other than what my PM has said; the nerve is probably already irritated and when the docs add the medication it tends to tick off the nerve even more. You have to remember that along with steroid there was also some numbing medication. I hope you get to feeling better.

Hi Kathi, he did from C3 to C6, I think. He also did the direct ON block since the last MBB set it off so bad. I'm also still getting the throbbing which I first thought was just procedure induced but I think its part of the ON. I'm glad to hear that this isn't uncommon. Although I've seen him three times already, I'm still learning about all this. Thank you for responding. It helps to bounce these things off of someone who has been there, etc....ellena

Hi Ellena, I have no experience with those blocks, just wanted to say I'm sorry you're dealing with the dizziness. Any improvements?

Take care, Diana

Not really. I seem to be okay if I'm not moving, but once I start moving around, especially if there are combined motions like up and down, it starts up again. I'm still using moist heat as the muscles are starting to spasm again. I'll be glad when the diagnostic part of these things are over.
Take care, Ellena

I experience some dizziness after my nerve blocks, but I live with constant dizziness anyway, so I can't always tell if it is just from the block! I'm sure it is possible to feel dizzy for quite a while afterwards.
~Jaime~

Thanks Jaime. This is new to me and I really feel for you dealing with dizziness all the time.

Ellena

I always get dizzy after I get freezing injections. I had one today (I get them weekly) and it's really bad for about 10 minutes after and I find I am sort of spacey for the rest of the day. It does seem to get better by the next day.

Hang in there!

If you have dizziness with the MBB, should you not proceede with the RF neurotomy ? I'm concerned that it will be permanent dizzy if I do it??


J.

Hi joojee, I replied to you on the other thread.