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Epidural Nerve Block Side Effects

An epidural nerve block is performed to help reduce pain or for surgical procedures. During the procedure, the physician will use a local anesthetic, steroids and/or opiods in an injection form. As with all medications and procedures, side effects may occur.

  1. Epidural Nerve Block Defined

    • Epidural nerve block is a non-invasive procedure that uses a syringe filled with corticosteroids and/or pain medications. Under X-ray guidance, a physician will insert the needle into the epidural space of the spine.

    Side Effects

    • The most common side effects reported from an epidural nerve block include pain, redness and swelling at injection site. Also, elevated blood sugars, itching, weight gain, bleeding and, in rare cases, death.

    Uses

    • Epidural nerve blocks are commonly used to aid in temporary relief of acute or chronic pain. The procedure is also used as a diagnostic tool to identify the location of nerves causing the pain.

    Benefits

    • Nerve blocks provide temporary pain relief to individuals who suffer from acute or chronic pain from injury or disease.

    Risks

    • The risks of an epidural nerve block include hemorrhaging (bleeding), medication being delivered to the blood stream, medication affecting other nerves and delivering injection into the wrong nerve.

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