According to the report, nerve blocks with local anesthetics have been used in the diagnosis and treatment of neuralgias, usually administered in combination with corticosteroids and other drugs. Definitive evidence on the efficacy of nerve blocks is lacking, despite anecdotal evidence describing lasting benefits from nerve blocks.
The researchers analyzed evidence behind the practice of peripheral nerve blockade with local anesthetics in patients with neuralgias and radicular pain syndromes by analyzing 12 articles. Because all reviewed articles were only single case reports or case series, no reliable conclusion could be drawn concerning the effectiveness of nerve blocks with local anesthetics in neuralgia.
The researchers concluded that future research efforts are warranted on this topic.
Read the abstract on the study in Anesthesia & Analgesia.
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