What is this procedure?
The trigeminal nerve supplies sensation to much of the face. A block targets a selected branch or another part of this pathway.
When might it be considered?
Certain facial pain conditions, including trigeminal neuralgia, after evaluation of the diagnosis and other treatment options. Your physician will determine whether this approach is appropriate and discuss alternatives, including non-procedural care.
What to expect
The technique depends on the exact nerve target. Ask whether a superficial branch or a deeper target is planned. Your clinician reviews your history, medications, allergies, and any relevant tests. The team explains the procedure and obtains your consent. Positioning, skin preparation, local numbing, and imaging guidance may be part of the visit, depending on the procedure.
Tell your care team about pregnancy, infection, medication allergies, or blood-thinning medicines. Do not stop or change medicines without instructions from the clinician managing them.
Potential benefits
Temporary pain relief may help manage symptoms or clarify a pain pathway; it is not a cure for every cause of facial pain. Benefit and duration vary; some patients experience little or no improvement. An injection is one possible part of a broader care plan.
Possible risks & side effects
Numbness, soreness, bleeding, infection, medication reactions or nerve injury are possible. Deeper approaches have different risks requiring specific consent.
This is not a complete list of risks. Your physician should explain the options, limitations, and consent information specific to your planned procedure.
Recovery & follow-up
Ask how to protect numb areas and when eating and usual activities are appropriate. Report unexpected or persistent sensory changes. Observation and activity instructions depend on the procedure, medication, and your response. Ask whether you need a driver and when you can return to usual activities. Follow your own discharge instructions rather than a general online timeline.
Contact your care team about unexpected or worsening symptoms. Seek urgent medical help for severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, or new significant weakness.
Common questions
Is this the same as a rhizotomy?
No. A temporary medication block differs from techniques that intentionally damage nerve fibers. Confirm the exact procedure with your physician.
Will this procedure relieve my pain?
It may help selected patients, but improvement is not guaranteed. Your physician will discuss realistic goals based on the suspected source of your pain.
Will I need more than one injection?
The need for further treatment depends on your response, the diagnosis, and safety considerations. There is no automatic course of injections that suits everyone.
How should I prepare?
Ask the team for your specific instructions, including medicines, food and drink, transportation, and what to bring. Do not change your medicines based on this page.
Is this available at Columbia Pain Management?
Contact the office to discuss eligibility and scheduling. Your physician will assess whether a procedure is appropriate for you.
Patient education reference: my.clevelandclinic.org — patient education.