X-ray guided nerve root block - Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital

Will it hurt?The injection of local anaesthetic may cause some pain, the areawill then go numb.How long will it take?The test itself takes up to one hour. We will ask you to rest in thewaiting room for a further 30 minutes afterwards.What happens afterwards?We will help you get up slowly from the x-ray table as your back orleg may feel a bit stiff. Sometimes patients feel a little faint or dizzywhen they sit up.What will happen to the results?A report of the procedure will be recorded in your recordsimmediately and also sent to your specialist within 48 hours.You may be asked to complete a follow-up form at home byrecording your pain level for two days. When we receive thisinformation back from you we will write a report and send it to yourconsultant.Are there any risks or complications?Any adverse reaction to this injection is rare.There is a small possibility of an allergic reaction to the drugs used.If this occurs it is immediate, but is very rare. Every precaution istaken to avoid infection.Confirming and cancelling your appointmentPlease could you confirm your appointment by contacting us on01392 402334.If you are unable to attend for your appointment, we would begrateful if you could contact us on 01392 402334 as soon aspossible. We can then offer your original appointment to anotherpatient. A further date and time will then be arranged for you. Pleasebe advised that if you fail to attend your appointment, it may benecessary to remove you from the radiology waiting list.Please note: if you have had D&V (diarrhoea and vomiting) youwill need to re-book your appointment unless you have beenclear for the past 48 hours.Finally...Some of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet,but remember that this is only a starting point for discussion aboutyour treatment with the doctors looking after you. Make sure youare satisfied that you have received enough information about theprocedure, before you sign the consent form.- 4 - - 5 -