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What is nerve ablation? —
This is a procedure to destroy specific nerves that are causing pain. Destroying the nerve blocks the pain signals from the body to the brain.
Doctors might suggest nerve ablation as a treatment for chronic pain that has lasted at least a month or longer. Nerve ablation is often done in a doctor's office or procedure area.
Types of ablation include:
●Radiofrequency ablation ("RFA") – Doctors use a small device that conducts electricity (called an "electrode") as well as heat to destroy the nerve tissue.
●Cryothermal ablation – Doctors use a probe as well as cold to freeze cells and destroy the nerve tissue.
●Chemical ablation – Doctors use special medicines to destroy the nerve tissue.
Most of the time, the doctor will do a "percutaneous" nerve ablation. ("Percutaneous" means through the skin.) The doctor will insert a hollow needle into the area with the nerves. Then, they pass the electrode or other tools through the needle.
How do I prepare for nerve ablation? —
The doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to do anything special to prepare. This depends on your situation, the type of nerve ablation, and where the ablation will be done.
Before the procedure, your doctor will do an exam. They might do other tests or injections first. This helps them know which specific nerve or nerves to treat.
Your doctor will also ask about your "health history." This involves asking about any health problems you have or had in the past, past surgeries, and any medicines you take. Tell them about:
●Any medicines you are taking – This includes prescription and "over-the-counter" medicines, plus any herbal supplements. It helps to write down and bring a list of your medicines, or bring a bag with all your medicines with you.
●Any allergies you have
●Any bleeding problems you have – Certain medicines, including some herbs and supplements, can increase the risk of bleeding. Some health conditions also increase this risk.
You might be asked to:
●Temporarily stop certain medicines before the procedure
●Avoid eating or drinking for some amount of time before the procedure
●Have someone else bring you home
Ask the doctor or nurse if you have questions or if there is anything you do not understand.
What happens during nerve ablation? —
It depends on the type of nerve ablation you are getting.
In general:
●You might get an "IV," which is a thin tube that goes into a vein. This can be used to give you fluids and medicines.
●You might get medicines to help you relax or to minimize pain during the procedure.
●The doctor might use ultrasound or other imaging tests to help them place the needle in the correct place near the nerve. Imaging tests create pictures of the inside of the body.
●The doctor will make sure the needle is in the correct place. You might feel a small amount of pain or twitching during this part. Sometimes, the doctor uses the needle itself to do the ablation. Or they might put wires or other tools through the needle to do the ablation instead.
●When finished, the doctor will remove the needle and any other tools. They will hold pressure on the area to stop any bleeding. If needed, they will cover the area with clean bandages.
What happens after nerve ablation? —
The staff will watch you closely after the procedure. Most people can go home the same day.
As you recover:
●Take all your medicines as instructed. Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to restart any medicines you stopped.
●The doctor or nurse will talk with you about how to manage any pain. They might suggest you:
•Take a pain medicine such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol).
•Ice the area – Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on the area every 1 to 2 hours, for 15 minutes each time. Put a thin towel between the ice (or other cold object) and your skin.
●Follow the doctor's instructions about what activities are safe for you to do.
What are the risks of nerve ablation? —
Your doctor will talk to you about all the possible risks and answer your questions. Possible risks include:
●Bleeding or blood clots
●Infection
●Injury to nearby nerves, organs, or other tissues
●Weakness or numbness
In some cases, the pain can come back after the nerve regrows. If so, your doctor might suggest another nerve ablation or a different therapy to treat your pain.
Patient education: Radiofrequency ablation (The Basics)
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Patient education: Chronic pain (The Basics)
Patient education: Neuropathic pain (The Basics)
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