Sympathetic Blocks

Sympathetic blocks are injections of local anesthetic and/or steroid onto a portion of the involuntary (autonomic) nervous system called the sympathetic nerves. These nerves may play a role in certain painful neurological conditions, such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (A.K.A. RSD). Sympathetic blocks are performed in a monitored setting since changes in blood pressure and heart rate can occur with the injection. Sympathetic nerve blocks are often repeated to provide sufficient pain relief.