Sympathetic nerve block: What to expect from your procedure - 08/2009

This handout explains sympathetic nerve block, a procedure to find out if the sympathetic nervous system plays a role in sending pain signals to the brain, and if stopping the pain signals on a short-term basis can ease pain. Includes an explanation of the procedure, how to prepare, what results to expect, instructions for medicines, activities, side effects, filling out a pain diary, and follow-up care.