If you are on blood thinning medications such as Warfarin, Nicoumalone (Sinthrome), Aspirin, Clopidogrel (Plavix), Ticlopidine (Ticlid), Apixaban, Rivaroxaban then please contact the Booking and Scheduling Department on 0161 778 2233.
What is a Trigeminal Ganglion Block?
It is an injection of local anaesthetic (medication that temporarily numbs the nerves) and/or Glycerol (medication that numbs the nerves more permanently) around the trigeminal ganglion.
Trigeminal ganglion is a collection of nerve cells from which the trigeminal ganglion nerve arises. Some sensations over the face and movement of the jaw/mouth are controlled by the trigeminal nerve.
Why is the injection done?
The injection is used to treat certain types of pain and/or muscle spasm in the face.
How is the injection done?
You will be asked to attend the Day Surgery Unit.
The injection is done with the help of an x-ray machine. You will be asked to lie on your back. A cannula (plastic tube) will be placed at the back of your hand.
The procedure is done under local anaesthesia (medication to numb the skin). In some circumstances sedation (medication to relax) and other medications such as pain killers can be given through the cannula.
The injection site just to the side of the mouth will be cleaned with antiseptic solution and numbed with local anaesthetic. Once the area is numb, a needle is inserted through the skin and directed to reach the trigeminal ganglion with the help of the x- ray machine.
After the injection of a special dye to confirm correct position of the needle, you will be asked to adopt a sitting posture for the local anaesthetic and glycerol injection.
What are the beneficial effects?
The injection helps to manage neuralgic pain (nerve pain) of the face.
The pain relief takes effect immediately in the majority of patients. However, in some patients it may take a few days to take effect.
In some groups of patients the injection may help by reducing the number of painkillers that are required to control the pain and by improving quality of life.
What are the immediate side effects?
Very rarely the local anaesthetic may enter the blood vessel that supplies the head and cause light headedness and blackout.
Long term consequences are negligible with prompt treatment. Other risks may include bleeding, difficulty in breathing or swallowing and injection into and damage to surrounding areas.
What are the late side effects?
Late side effects are rare. Swelling, bruising of the face and rarely a ‘black eye’ may occur. Ice packs applied to the face help to reduce the swelling.
Some patients may develop headache, temporary double vision, reduced ability to chew, feeling unwell for a few days and a long lasting numbness of the face. A cold sore on the site of the injection is a rare side effect, which responds to medication (anti- viral ointment or oral medication).
Whilst most patients get pain relief, in rare instances there can be an aggravation of the current pain symptoms. Very rarely the injection cannot be done due to an inability to place the medication in the appropriate place, due to technical difficulties.
Advice/Precaution
- You will be required to stay in the hospital overnight
- A follow-up appointment will be arranged so that the doctor/ nurse can review the effects of the injection
- If there are any concerns or queries please contact the pain clinic
It is very important that you inform the doctor/secretary in the pain clinic, at least one week before the injection if:
- You are allergic to any medications
- You have an infection near the injection site
- You think you might be pregnant
- Caution should be exercised if you have had a recent heart attack or vaccination
- If you have been started on any new blood thinning medication
Contact Details
Fairfield
Day Surgery - 0161 778 2503
Pain Secretary - 0161 778 3622
Rochdale
Day Surgery - 01706 517132/517133
Pain Secretary - 01706 517705
Date of Review: February 2024
Date of Next Review: February 2026
Ref No: PI_DS_446 (BRO)