Anaesthetics
What is a peripheral nerve block?
The nerve block can last from 2 to 36 hours depending on the injection site and type of local anaesthetic used. During this time, you may feel the following: numbness, tingling, weakness or inability to move your arm or leg. Usually, the weakness wears off first followed by return of sensation.
Until normal sensation has returned:
Protect your limb from excessive heat or cold and avoid placing it in abnormal positions.
Keep your leg or arm well supported, avoiding excessive pressure.
Do not mobilise without support if your nerve block involves the foot or leg.
Avoid doing things for example, using machinery which could injure you while you cannot feel your limb.
Important
If your pain is not controlled by the pain relief given, please seek medical help or visit your nearest A&E.
If your nerve block injection was performed near your collar bone, neck or chest wall and you experience severe breathlessness, please contact emergency services, or visit your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department.
Contact information
You may be contacted by hospital staff after your discharge to check on your wellbeing. If you have not been contacted but you continue to have numbness or weakness in your limb after 36 hours, please contact the hospital switchboard on 01642 850850 and ask for the anaesthetics registrar on call.
Contact us
If you require further information please contact us on:
Telephone: 01642 854600
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]