Diagnostic Pain Treatment / Diagnostic Nerve Block Procedure

A diagnostic pain treatment is a procedure performed with the primary goal of identifying the source or cause of a patient’s pain. It is typically conducted when the exact underlying cause of pain is unclear, and further investigation is required to make an accurate diagnosis. The procedure aims to provide valuable diagnostic information that helps guide subsequent treatment decisions. Here’s a description of a commonly used diagnostic pain treatment called a diagnostic nerve block:

Diagnostic Nerve Block Procedure:

1. Patient Preparation: The patient arrives at Eisenhower Clinic and is prepared for the procedure. The healthcare provider reviews the patient’s medical history, performs a physical examination, and discusses the procedure, benefits, and potential risks. Informed consent is obtained from the patient.
2. Positioning and Sterilization: The patient is positioned comfortably, often lying down or sitting, depending on the area being evaluated. The area where the diagnostic nerve block will be performed is cleaned and sterilized to reduce the risk of infection.
3. Local Anesthesia: The healthcare provider administers a local anesthetic to numb the skin and underlying tissues near the site where the nerve block will be applied. This helps ensure patient comfort during the procedure.
4. Needle Placement and Injection: Using X-ray or imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, the pain specialist identifies the targeted nerve(s) or specific pain generator suspected to be causing the patient’s symptoms. They insert a thin needle near the nerve or pain generator to be evaluated.
5. Injection of Diagnostic Medication: Once the needle is properly positioned, the healthcare provider injects a diagnostic medication into the target area. The diagnostic medication can vary but often includes a local anesthetic combined with a corticosteroid or a saline solution. The medication is carefully delivered to the nerve or pain generator suspected to be causing the pain.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation: After the injection, the patient is monitored for a specific period to assess their response to the diagnostic block. The healthcare provider observes the patient’s pain levels, functional changes, and any alleviation of symptoms. This observation helps determine whether the targeted nerve or pain generator is indeed contributing to the patient’s pain.
7. Post-Procedure Assessment and Follow-up: Following the diagnostic nerve block, the healthcare provider evaluates the patient’s response to the procedure. This assessment includes discussing the patient’s pain relief, functional improvements, or any changes in symptoms. Based on the outcomes of the diagnostic nerve block, the healthcare provider can make a more accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to the patient’s specific condition.

Diagnostic pain treatments, such as diagnostic nerve blocks, play a crucial role in pain management by providing valuable diagnostic information. The results of the procedure help our pain specialist identify the underlying cause of pain, determine the most effective treatment options, and optimize patient care.