Patient handout · Pain treatments
Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Nerve Injection
What it is
This injection puts medicine near a nerve outside the spine, such as in the arm, leg or pelvis. The doctor uses ultrasound to see the nerve. It may ease pain and help find its source.
Why it is done
- Pain thought to come from a specific peripheral nerve
- Occipital neuralgia or certain headaches
- Knee or other joint pain being evaluated for nerve-targeted treatment
What to expect
- Before: We review your medicines, especially blood thinners, and any allergies. You may need someone to drive you home.
- During: You lie or sit comfortably. The skin is cleaned and numbed. Using ultrasound, the doctor guides a thin needle near the nerve and gives the medicine.
- After: You rest for a short time and usually go home the same day. Keep a pain diary for the next few weeks so we can see how well it worked.
Self-care tips
- Rest the day of your injection. Most people return to light activity the next day.
- Ice on the site for 15 to 20 minutes may ease soreness.
- Keep a pain diary for 2 weeks to share with us.
- Keep taking your usual medicines unless we tell you otherwise.
When to call us
- Fever or chills
- Redness, swelling, warmth or drainage where the needle went in
- Pain that is much worse than before, or new weakness or numbness
- A bad headache that is worse when you sit or stand
Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
This handout is general information and is not a substitute for medical advice.