Your doctor has requested that we perform an image guided spinal injection for you. An image guided injection involves the radiologist injecting a mixture of local anaesthetic and steroid into the region of concern. This may involve the use of iodinated contrast to check the correct position has been obtained. The injection is performed for two reasons:
1. To relieve your pain
2. To determine if this particular area being injected is the cause for your pain.
Initially, you should experience some relief of your symptoms due to the local anaesthetic. However, the effect of the local anaesthetic will wear off in approximately 4-8 hours time. You may experience some return of your symptoms or a slight increase in pain after this, but the steroid should begin to work 2 – 7 days post injection. Allergic reactions to the local anaesthetic and steroid are extremely rare.
There is no guarantee that a spinal injection will help to cure your pain, and in rare cases, it could become worse. The degree and duration of pain relief varies from person to person.
The risks of spinal injections rarely occur, but can include:
Infection:
Although sterile equipment is used, as with any procedure involving needles, there is a small risk of infection. An infection will need to be treated promptly, so it is very important you consult your GP as soon as possible, or contact us, if you experience any of the following symptoms post procedure:
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You experience pain for more than 48 hours after the injection
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The area becomes red, hot or swollen
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Pain develops more than 2 days after the injection
•
You develop a fever following the injection
Bleeding:
Direct needle injury to surrounding blood vessels may cause localized bleeding and pooling of blood within the soft tissues, epidural space, or membranes of the spinal cord. Although extremely rare, a haematoma or blood clot may also form within the vessel, blocking the blood supply to vital tissues.
Prolonged bleeding after the injection can occur in patients with pre-existing bleeding disorders or who take blood thinning medication routinely for other medical conditions. As some spinal injections carry a greater risk of bleeding, you may be required to stop taking your blood thinning medication a few days before your procedure, in consultation with your doctor. It is therefore important to let us know at the time of making your booking whether you are on blood thinning medication to avoid any need for rescheduling.
Nerve Damage:
There is a very minimal risk of nerve damage due to direct needle trauma, or as a consequence of post procedure infection or excessive bleeding.
Dural Puncture:
This occurs when the fluid filled sac surrounding the central nerve canal is punctured by the needle. This may cause a leakage of the fluid (Cerebrospinal Fluid), which can lead to headaches. This commonly resolves on its own once the small puncture area seals up. The usual treatment is to lie flat for a few hours afterward to minimise the occurrence of the headaches.