What is a peripheral nerve block?
A peripheral nerve block is a shot of numbing medicine near a specific nerve or group of nerves. It can be used to numb a part of the body (often an arm or a leg) for a procedure. It may also help control pain after the procedure.
How is a peripheral nerve block in children done?
Your child will get medicines to help your child relax, feel sleepy, or go to sleep.
The doctor may use ultrasound or another way to help guide the needle for the nerve block.
After finding the right spot, the doctor uses a tiny needle to numb the skin. The doctor puts the nerve block needle into the numbed area. Then the numbing medicine is put near the nerves. If your child is awake, they may feel some pressure. But they should not feel pain.
Peripheral nerve blocks in children: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your child has trouble breathing. Symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath.
- Noisy breathing.
- Using the belly muscles to breathe.
- The chest sinking in or the nostrils flaring when your child struggles to breathe.
- Your baby is limp and floppy like a rag doll.
- Your child is very sleepy and is hard to wake up.
- Your child passes out (loses consciousness).
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has new or worse nausea or vomiting.
- Your child has a fever.
- The medicine isn't wearing off by the time the doctor said it should.
- Your child has injured the numb area of their body.
- Your baby can't stop crying.
- Your baby won't eat within several hours after leaving the hospital.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your child does not get better as expected.
What are some common types of peripheral nerve blocks?
Some common types of peripheral nerve blocks include:
- Femoral nerve block. It's done with an injection into the groin area to numb the femoral nerve. It numbs most of the leg.
- Popliteal nerve block. It's done with an injection into the back of the knee to numb the sciatic nerve. It numbs most of the lower leg and foot.
- Brachial plexus block. It's done with an injection into a group of nerves (called the brachial plexus) between the spine and shoulder. The shot is usually given in the neck or just above the collarbone. It numbs the shoulder, arm, and hand.
How can you care for your child after a peripheral nerve block?
- Follow all instructions from your child's doctor about how to take care of the area that was numbed.
- Make sure your child doesn't injure the area while it's still numb.
- Remind them that if they move the area, to move it slowly and carefully.
- Be careful with hot and cold. Since your child won't feel pain, it's easier for damage from heat or cold to happen.
If your child had sedation or general anesthesia
- Have your child rest when they feel tired. A baby may sleep longer between feedings. Getting enough sleep will help your child recover.
- For the first few hours after sedation, follow your doctor's instructions about what your child can eat or drink. For a baby, your doctor will tell you if you need to change anything about your breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
- After a few hours, allow your child to eat and drink a normal diet, unless your doctor has given you special instructions. If your child's stomach is upset, try clear liquids and foods that are low in fat and fiber. These include applesauce, baked chicken, crackers, and yogurt. If your baby has started to eat solid foods, your doctor will tell you what and when to feed your baby after sedation.
- Have your child rest until the effects of the medicine wear off.
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