Pulsed radiofrequency of peripheral nerves

Pulsed radiofrequency of peripheral nerves

What is pulsed radiofrequency of peripheral nerves and what are the benefits

Nerves carry pain signals. Nerve block injections are used to diagnose and treat certain types of pain. If the injections give short-term pain relief, radiofrequency treatment is offered to try and prolong the benefit of the injection therapy. In the radiofrequency treatment the nerves carrying the pain signals from the painful area are stunned with a high frequency current to disrupt pain signals.The procedure uses an electricity generator to deliver the treatment through a fine needle.

Risks

No procedure is totally risk free. Short-term side effects include injection soreness at the site of the injection, infection, bruising and bleeding. There is a possibility that you may have an allergic reaction to the drugs used. The local anaesthetic can spread and cause some numbness. This is temporary and will resolve. Long-term effects are less common. Occasionally injections can exacerbate the pain symptoms. Very rarely, radiofrequency treatment can cause nerve damage resulting in weakness and numbness of the affected area. During the treatment, different safety precautions will be taken to minimise risks.

On the day of injection, is there a need for any specific preparation?

You can eat and drink normally before your radiofrequency treatment. Eat lightly and drink plenty of water. Unless specifically advised otherwise, you can take your routine medications. If the injection is in the spine, the doctor may advise to withhold medicines affecting blood clotting. Please bring a list of your medications with you. Please inform the doctor if there is any possibility of being pregnant.

What happens when I arrive at the hospital for radiofrequency therapy?

Your stay in hospital may vary between 1 to 2 hours. The actual treatment takes about 30-45 minutes to perform. You will be awake during the procedure. The doctor will use ultrasound or x-ray to perform the treatment. After cleaning the necessary area with antiseptic solution, numbing medicine will be injected to the skin. Then the radiofrequency treatment will be performed with special needles (also known as electrodes).

Do I need to take any precautions after the radiofrequency treatment?

Arrange to have someone drive you home! Ensure you are steady on your feet before getting out of the hospital bed. You may be sore or have more pain before you feel better. The treatment may take a few days to weeks to help with pain. There is no need for any bed rest, but avoid strenuous physical activity on the day of the treatment. From the next day onward, you can resume back to your normal activities. You may continue to take your routine medications. The doctor may advise you about reducing your painkillers once you start getting benefit with the nerve block and radiofrequency treatment.

Rarely, if there is unbearable exacerbation of pain, unusual redness, discharge or swelling at the site of injection or persistently high temperature – you have to contact the doctor and go to the emergency department immediately.