Trigeminal Nerve Block

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The trigeminal nerve is a large cranial nerve, the base of which is located beneath the upper cheek area, just in front of the ear. It is responsible for sensations in your face and motor functions such as biting and chewing. When the trigeminal nerve malfunctions or becomes pinched, it can cause excruciating pain in the forehead, cheek, jaw, or around the eyes.

A trigeminal nerve block relieves pain by temporarily “switching off” pain signals coming from the trigeminal nerve.

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What is a trigeminal nerve block?

A trigeminal nerve block is a minimally invasive injection procedure designed to temporarily block or reduce pain signals transmitted by the trigeminal nerve. Local anesthetic medication is injected at the site of the trigeminal nerve, disrupting pain signals.

A trigeminal nerve block usually serves two primary purposes:

Diagnostic tool – Temporarily numbing the nerve allows the clinical team to confirm if the trigeminal nerve is indeed the source of your facial pain. If the pain significantly lessens after the block, it helps to pinpoint the diagnosis.
Therapeutic relief – For many patients, the nerve block itself provides significant, though often temporary, pain relief. This can help break the cycle of severe facial pain and may improve the effectiveness of other treatments as well.

What happens during a trigeminal nerve block procedure?

You will be brought into the procedure room at our outpatient surgery center and laid on a special table. Your skin will be cleaned at the injection site and a local anesthetic will be applied.

A thin needle is passed through the cheek, next to the mouth, and guided to the point where all three branches of the trigeminal nerve come together. Your physician will use a fluoroscope (a special kind of x-ray) to guide the needle to the appropriate site. Medication is injected at the site of the trigeminal nerve, inhibiting its ability to send pain signals.