Exam time: 30-60 minutes
Most exams require patient to remain at CAI 30 minutes post-procedure.
Hardware injections
When metal implants from previous back surgery appear to be causing discomfort,
a trigger injection may be performed. During this diagnostic exam,
local anesthetic is injected into the hardware screw implants. If symptoms
remain, the physician will want to explore alternative sources for
the pain.
Point of pain injections
Trigger injections may also be performed in any soft tissue areas of
the lower back, lower neck, and shoulders where nerves are inflamed.
The radiologist injects both local anesthetic and steroid medication
to relieve nerve irritation.
Preparation/Restrictions:
- Stop blood thinners 4-5 days in advance; stop pain medication
8 hours in advance
- Patient should bring previous films
- Patient will need a driver
Side Effects:
Side effects of the steroid medications--which affect only 5% of patients
and disappear within 1-3 days--include facial flushing, insomnia, occasional
low grade fever, and increase in blood sugar.
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