Interventional Neuroradiology
Nerve Root Block
A nerve root block is the placement of a needle and injection of a comb-
ination of local anesthetic and steroid into the sheath surrounding a nerve
root in the spine. A block is performed to determine if a specific spinal nerve
root is the source of pain and reduce inflammation around the nerve root
thus decreasing or relieving the pain. Franklin Moser, MD, Chief of Neuroradiology,
heads our team of imaging physicians, nurses and technologists who
specialize in this procedure.
The facet block is a diagnostic test to localize the source of the patient's
pain by determining if it responds to the injection of medication. Alternatively,
this procedure is used to treat symptoms arising from facet joint arthritis.
The precise location for the needle placement is determined with imaging
guidance. The patient may experience brief, temporary sensations of pain
or an electric shock sensation down the leg. Iodinated contrast is injected
to confirm the location of the needle tip.
