Supraorbital and Supratrochlear Nerve Block
Why do I need these blocks?
Supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves are small nerves, which supplies forehead, upper eyelid, and anterior scalp. Blocking the nerve is useful in the management of supraorbital neuralgia, which is a rare type of neuralgia characterised by persistent pain over the forehead along with shock-like sensations. It is also known as a goggle (not Google!) headache or swimmer’s headache.
Other disorders where it can help are supraorbital nerve entrapment and pain secondary to herpes zoster infection (shingles).
How is it performed?
The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis. At Atlas Pain Care we perform ultrasound-guided injection, as it improves the safety and diagnostic utility of the procedure. Local anaesthetic and steroid is injected under real time ultrasound guidance targeting the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerve. A positive response confirms the diagnosis of supraorbital neuralgia and can provide therapeutic benefit lasting weeks to months.
What are the complications?
Complications are very rare as these injections are performed under ultrasound guidance.Post block ecchymosis and hematoma formation can occur and this usually settles in few days.
Please read our FAQ section to know about the do's and dont's prior to and after the procedure.