How do I care for myself at home? Locations Abbotsford-Regional Hospital 604-851-4866 You can resume your daily activities. Medical Imaging 2nd Floor, Fraser Wing You can take the bandage off the 32900 Marshall Road, Abbotsford Burnaby Hospital 604-434-4211 following day. rd Medical Imaging, 3 Floor 3935 Kincaid Street, Burnaby Talk to your doctor before returning to Lions Gate Hospital 604-984-5775 Selective any physical activities or sports. Medical Imaging, Lower Level 231 East 15th Street, North Vancouver Nerve Root Block When to get help Mount Saint Joseph Hospital 604-877-8323 Contact your doctor or specialist if you Medical Imaging, Level one 3080 Prince Edward Street, Vancouver have any of the following: Richmond Hospital 604-278-9711 - fever above 38.5°C (101°F) Medical Imaging, Main Floor 7000 Westminster Hwy, Richmond - flu-like symptoms, such as fever, Ridge Meadows Hospital 604-463-1800 aches, and chills Medical Imaging, Main Floor 11666 Laity Street, Maple Ridge - increased pain or redness at the Royal Columbian Hospital 604-520-4640 treatment site Medical Imaging, Columbia Tower 330 E. Columbia Street, New Westminster - dizziness or weakness Sechelt Hospital 604-885-8608 - new leg weakness or numbness Medical Imaging 5544 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Sechelt Squamish Hospital 604-892-6025 Medical Imaging 38140 Behrner Drive, Squamish St. Paul’s Hospital 604-806-8006 Medical Imaging, 2nd Floor, Providence Building 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver Surrey Memorial Hospital 604-588-3308 Medical Imaging, 1st Floor, Lower Level 13750 96th Avenue, Surrey UBC Hospital 604-822-7076 Medical Imaging, Main Floor 2211 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver HealthLinkBC 8-1-1 Vancouver General Hospital 604-875-4111 Call any time you have any questions or concerns. Interventional Radiology, Jim Pattison Pavilion Ext 68612 HealthLinkBC is open 24 hours. Available in 130 languages. Station 4, Ground Floor, 855 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver For an interpreter, say your language in English. Wait until an interpreter comes on the phone. www.fraserhealth.ca www.vch.ca This information does not replace the advice given to you by your healthcare provider. November 2020 FH Catalogue # 264369 VCH Catalogue # ED.900.S45 What is a Selective Nerve Root Block? How long will it take? Will it hurt? A selective nerve root block, sometimes Plan to be at the hospital for at least 2 The numbing medication is injected in the called a nerve block, is a procedure used hours. The procedure takes from 30 skin to minimize pain. If you have pain or to find out the cause of nerve root pain in minutes to 1 hour. discomfort that is similar to the pain you the low back, leg, neck, or upper back. It normally experience, it tells us that this is What happens during the procedure? is also done to help relieve pain. the nerve that is the cause of your pain. • You are positioned lying on your As the strong numbing medication takes Who does this procedure? stomach on the procedure table. effect, you should start to feel some relief. It is done by a radiologist – a doctor who • The radiologist locates the spot where the specializes in procedures using image- What happens after the procedure? needle will be placed. guidance. If you have questions, you can You are moved to our recovery area to rest ask the radiologist before the procedure. • The area is cleaned with antiseptic for 30 minutes to 1 hour. You are checked solution. for any changes in strength, sensation, and Can I bring a relative or friend? • The radiologist injects numbing medicine any unexpected side effects. Yes, a relative or friend can stay with you to ‘freeze’ your skin around the spot before and after the procedure. However, Are there any risks or complication? (treatment site). for reasons of safety and regulations, they A nerve block is generally a safe cannot be in the room with you during • A needle is then inserted under image procedure. Complications are rare. guidance as close as possible to the nerve the procedure. Examples of unexpected complications: suspected to cause the pain or problem. - bleeding, but usually stops on its own What happens before the procedure? A mix of long-acting numbing - infection You will be contacted by the Medical medication and anti-inflammatory - accidental delivery of medication into Imaging Department with specific steroid is then injected around the nerve. the blood stream instructions on how to prepare for this More than one injection might be needed. - unexpected spread of medication to procedure. It is important to lie as still as possible to other nerves Please alert us if you have any allergies, allow the injection of medication. - hitting the ‘wrong’ nerve while trying take any blood thinner medication, or if to block the target nerve because they you could be pregnant. Blood tests may be are close to one another ordered before your procedure. - extended effect of the numbing medication causing weakness, You must make arrangements for a responsible adult to drive/escort you home after this procedure. numbness, or other symptoms - nerve damage Selective Nerve Root Block over… .