Sometimes we have pain that doesn't go away no matter how much medicine we take or physical therapy we do. It's very difficult to live with this unbearable pain that torments us for months, maybe even years, isn't it? So, in such a case, have you heard of a special treatment that stops the feeling of pain? Today we are talking about one such treatment, Neurolysis.
What is Neurolysis simply?
Simply put, Neurolysis is a special medical procedure used for pain management. It involves injecting a chemical substance near a nerve that is causing pain, destroying or inactivating that nerve. This is usually done using alcohol `(ethanol)`, phenol `(phenol)`, or glycerol `(glycerol).
Think of it this way: the nerves in our body are like electrical wires. They carry messages from the brain to the rest of the body. These messages are what make us feel pain and touch. Neurolysis involves selecting the nerve that carries the pain message, disabling it , and stopping that message from going to the brain.
The term "neurolysis" can be used generically to refer to any method by which doctors intentionally deactivate a nerve. Accordingly, there are several methods in addition to injecting chemicals.
- Radiofrequency ablation ( RFA ): This uses radio waves to generate heat and destroy a small section of the nerve.
- Cryoablation: This involves destroying a nerve using extreme cold (cryotherapy).
- Surgical neurolysis (neurectomy): Surgery to remove part of a nerve or remove unwanted tissue around the nerve to reduce pain.
As with many of these treatments, the results of Neurolysis can vary from person to person. Chronic pain is a complex issue, so it's important to work with your doctor to decide if this treatment is right for you.
Who needs this treatment?
If you have severe or chronic pain that is not controlled by conventional treatments, such as physical therapy or analgesics, your doctor may recommend Neurolysis. It is especially used for the following types of pain:
- Neuropathic pain
- Cancer pain
- Pain originating from internal organs (visceral pain)
In addition, this treatment can also be used to treat a foot condition called `Morton's neuroma` and sometimes to control excessive muscle stiffness (spasticity).
Are Neurolysis and Nerve Block two different things?
Although these two names sound similar, they are two different treatments. Although the goal of both is to reduce pain, the way they work and the duration of their effects are different. Let's understand this difference clearly.
| Feature | Nerve Block | Neurolysis |
|---|---|---|
| Main objective | To temporarily relieve pain and allow the nerve to recover. | Destroying or disabling the nerve to eliminate pain long-term . |
| Result time | From a few days to several months. | From a few weeks to a few months or even longer. |
| Drugs used | Anesthetics and/or steroids. | Chemicals such as alcohol and phenol. |
How do you prepare before treatment?
How you prepare for this treatment may vary depending on the reason for your treatment and the site of the injection. Your doctor will give you specific instructions. For example, you may be asked to temporarily stop taking certain medications. It is very important to follow these instructions exactly.
In some cases, you may be given a sedative to help you relax and fall asleep during this treatment. If this is done, you will be asked to fast (not eat or drink anything) for 6-8 hours before the treatment. You will also need to bring someone to take you home after the treatment.
How Neurolysis Treatment is Performed
Since there are several types of neurolysis that target different nerves in the body, there are slight variations in the process, but it generally goes something like this:
1. Positioning: You will be asked to lie in a specific position on an examination table to make it easier for the doctor to inject the vaccine.
2. Sedation : If necessary, you will be given medication through a cannula placed in a vein in your arm (IV line) to relax you.
3. Cleaning: The injection site is thoroughly cleaned with a disinfectant solution.
4. Numbness: Next, a small injection of local anesthetic is given to numb the area where the Neurolysis injection was given. At this point, you may feel a slight stinging sensation when the needle hits.
5. Confirming the location: The doctor may use a scanning technique such as ultrasound , fluoroscopy (X-ray), or CT to see exactly where the nerve is. This can help determine the exact location of the injection.
6. Administering the vaccine: Next, the chemical is injected very close to the nerve.
7. Observation: After treatment, you will be monitored by a doctor for a while to make sure there are no unexpected side effects.
8. Going home: If everything is fine, you will be allowed to go home.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this treatment?
Benefits
The main benefit of this treatment is the relief from pain . It can be temporary or permanent. This relief can greatly help you perform your daily tasks more easily and improve your quality of life .
However, we must also remember that this treatment does not work equally well for everyone. Some people may not get as much pain relief as expected.
Risks and Complications
Like any medical procedure, Neurolysis treatment has certain risks and side effects.This risk varies depending on the injection site and the nerve targeted. Because the injected chemical is a liquid, there is a small chance that it will spread to nearby tissues, nerves, or blood vessels.
Some of the possible side effects are:
- Infection or bleeding at the injection site.
- If a nearby motor nerve that controls movement is damaged, paralysis can occur.
- Neuritis: If the treated nerve starts to regrow, hyperesthesia (excessive sensitivity to touch) may occur.
- Difficulty controlling urine or stool.
- Sexual dysfunction.
Don't be afraid. Your doctor will explain all the risks associated with the type of Neurolysis you are going to have. So be sure to ask any questions or concerns you have at that time.
How long does the effect of the treatment last?
The duration of pain relief from Neurolysis varies greatly from person to person. It can last for a few days, a few weeks, a few months, or even years. Typically, phenol treatment provides relief for 8-12 weeks. Alcohol treatment lasts a little longer, about 12-24 weeks.
Your doctor will give you the best idea of what results you can expect based on your condition and what to do next if treatment is not successful.
Take-Home Message
- Neurolysis is a specialized treatment for severe, chronic pain that has not been controlled by other treatments. It involves disabling a nerve that is transmitting pain.
- This is a method that aims for long-term results, different from Nerve Block treatment, which provides temporary pain relief.
- The results of treatment may vary from person to person and may not be equally successful for everyone.
- Along with the benefits of this treatment, there are also some risks and the possibility of side effects.
- Therefore, before deciding on this treatment, it is essential to have a thorough and open discussion with your doctor about its pros, cons, and how suitable it is for you.
👩🏽⚕️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) from the Doctor
💬 What is Neurolysis?
Simply put, Neurolysis is a special medical procedure used to manage long-term pain that is not relieved by other treatments. It involves identifying a nerve that carries pain to the brain and temporarily or permanently disabling it by injecting a chemical or other method.
💬 How does Neurolysis treatment work?
Our body's nerves are like electrical wires that carry messages to the brain. That's how pain is felt. In neurolysis, the specific nerve that carries the pain message is targeted and deactivated. This stops the pain signal from reaching the brain, and the pain sensation is stopped.
💬 Are there different types of Neurolysis treatments?
Yes, there are several main methods of performing neurolysis. These include injection of chemicals (such as alcohol, phenol), radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, and surgical removal of a nerve.
💬 Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts here.
Add Your Comment