Trigeminal Branch Nerve Block

What is a Trigeminal Branch Nerve Block?

A trigeminal branch nerve block is an injection used to diagnose or treat facial pain that comes from the trigeminal nerve. This nerve controls feeling in the face and has three main branches (around the forehead/eye, cheek, and jaw). By injecting numbing medicine — and sometimes a steroid — near one of these branches, the doctor can see if the nerve is the source of pain and may also provide relief from conditions like trigeminal neuralgia, or other facial pain syndromes.

How do you prepare for a Trigeminal Branch Nerve Block?

• Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, especially blood thinners, since you may need to stop them before the procedure.
• Discuss allergies to anesthetics or steroids.
• Usually, you can eat and drink normally, unless told otherwise.
• Arrange for a ride home, since your face may feel numb or weak for a short time after.

Why is a Trigeminal Branch Nerve Block performed?

• To diagnose if the trigeminal nerve is causing your facial pain.
• To relieve pain from conditions like trigeminal neuralgia, shingles-related nerve pain, or post-surgical facial pain.
• To reduce reliance on pain medications.
• To improve quality of life, especially when pain interferes with eating, talking, or daily activities.

What can you expect during a Trigeminal Branch Nerve Block?

• The procedure is usually done in a hospital or pain clinic and takes about 20–30 minutes.
• You’ll lie down, and the doctor will clean the skin near the injection site.
• With ultrasound guidance), the doctor places a small needle near the affected branch of the trigeminal nerve.
• A numbing medicine, sometimes mixed with steroid, is injected.
• You may feel pressure or brief stinging during the injection.
• Afterward, your face may feel numb for a short period.

What is the follow-up like for a Trigeminal Branch Nerve Block?

• Immediate numbness and relief may happen from the anesthetic, but it usually wears off in a few hours.
• If a steroid is used, longer-lasting pain relief may appear within a few days and last weeks to months.
• You may feel some soreness at the injection site for a day.
• Keep a pain diary to help your doctor track how well it worked.
• Repeat injections may be done if pain returns, or other treatments may be considered (like radiofrequency ablation).

What are the potential risks for a Trigeminal Branch Nerve Block?

Most risks are mild and temporary, such as:

• Numbness or weakness in the face.
• Bruising, soreness, or swelling at the injection site.
• Mild dizziness or drowsiness.

Less common but more serious risks include:

• Infection.
• Bleeding.
• Nerve injury or prolonged numbness.
• Allergic reaction to the medicine.

Are there related tests to a Trigeminal Branch Nerve Block?

• MRI or CT scans may be done before to rule out tumors, blood vessel pressure, or other causes of facial pain.
• A neurological exam helps confirm the source of pain.
• The nerve block itself is often used as a diagnostic test to confirm that the trigeminal nerve is involved.