nerve block

Last reviewed 01/2018

Reversible blockade of neural transmission is an important form of anaesthesia for children and for day case surgery. Techniques span from infiltration of local anaesthetic around a single nerve, e.g. dental procedures, to spinal anaesthesia.

In general terms, the blockade of neural transmission may be:

  • reversible:
    • local anaesthetic, with or without opioid - synergism; lower amounts of each
    • cryoanalgesia
  • irreversible:
    • surgery
    • neurolysis
    • radiofrequency