Trigeminal Nerve Block

A trigeminal nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure designed to diagnose and treat facial pain originating from the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve is the largest cranial nerve and is responsible for sensation in the face — including the forehead, cheeks, jaw, and around the eyes.

By injecting medication near the nerve, a trigeminal nerve block can reduce pain, inflammation, and nerve irritation, often providing immediate and lasting relief for certain types of facial pain.

Your provider may recommend a trigeminal nerve block if you have:

• Trigeminal neuralgia (sharp, stabbing facial pain)
• Post-herpetic neuralgia (pain following shingles)
• Chronic migraine or facial headaches
• Facial pain syndromes not responding to medications
• Diagnostic evaluation to identify the source of facial pain

The block can be both diagnostic (helping confirm the source of pain) and therapeutic (providing symptom relief).

The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting.

• You will lie comfortably on an exam table.
• The skin over the injection site is cleaned and sterilized.
• A local anesthetic will be used to numb the skin.
• Using ultrasound or fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, a small needle is precisely placed near the branches of the trigeminal nerve.
• A combination of local anesthetic and sometimes a steroid medication is slowly injected.
• The entire procedure typically takes about 20–30 minutes.

• You may feel immediate numbness or reduced facial pain after the injection due to the anesthetic.
• Steroid effects, if used, may take 2–5 days to reduce inflammation and provide longer-lasting relief.
• Mild soreness, numbness, or weakness in the face is normal and should resolve within a few hours.
• Many patients experience significant improvement in facial pain that can last from weeks to months.

A trigeminal nerve block is generally safe, but potential risks include:

• Temporary facial numbness or weakness
• Mild bruising or swelling at the injection site
• Allergic reaction to medications (rare)
• Infection (very rare)
• Temporary double vision or drooping eyelid (depending on the area treated)

Your provider will discuss these risks with you before the procedure and take steps to minimize them.

You should contact Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah if you experience:

• Severe or worsening facial weakness
• Signs of infection (fever, chills, redness at the site)
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe new facial pain

Prompt communication ensures you receive any necessary follow-up care quickly.

Patients trust Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah for trigeminal nerve blocks because we offer:

• Board-certified pain specialists with expertise in treating complex facial pain
• Advanced imaging guidance for precise, effective injections
• Personalized care plans tailored to your specific condition and needs
• Compassionate, patient-centered approach focused on improving your quality of life
• Education and resources, including information from trusted sites like Spine-health.com

We are dedicated to providing safe, effective relief for facial pain conditions.

For more information about facial pain and nerve blocks, visit:

• Spine-health.com – Trigeminal Neuralgia and Facial Pain Resource