What Causes Numbness Behind Head After Treating Bilateral Occipital Nerve Blocks?

Posted on Thu, 21 May 2015

Question: I had bilateral occipital nerve blocks done at 3:30pm yesterday..It is now 00:24 8 hours later and I still am numb all in the back of my head and sides of my head..Is this normal?? How long should I stay numb after the blocks?

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Usually takes 10-12 hrs

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thank you for contacting HCM

I've gone through your query and would try to help you in best possible way. effect of anesthesa takes a while to go away completely. it depends upon:
- type of anesthesia used
- response of body towards anesthesia
- amount of drug used

usually it takes 10-12 hrs for anesthesia effect to go away completely. in some individuals it may prolong. i would suggest you to relax and observe. meanwhile take hot water in a rubber bottle and place it at that site. it will give soothing effect.

hope i have answeres your query. if you have any followup query then feel free to ask. else dont forget to close the discussion and rate it.
wishing you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (40 minutes later)

what should I do if it continues to stay numb..I've had heat on it.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If persists then you need to visit your treating doctor

Detailed Answer:
hello

thank you for the followup query.

hopefully it will resolve but if it pereists then you need to visit your treating doctor for further evaluation.

thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (6 hours later)

I called the anestheologist..He said that the numbness would eventually wear off..It's been 17 hours and still numb..could I possibly have nerve damage? will I loose my hair from this?? Is it unsafe to have numbness in back and sides of head for prolong periods?

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Wait and observe

Detailed Answer:
hello

give numbness atleast 24 hrs to settle. its unlikely for nerve to get damage like this. normal hairs will appear gradually and that have nothing to do with nerve injury.

feel free to get back with a query.
thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (5 hours later)

have intense pain and super tender..I have tried ice and heat to back of head..taken tylenol, and motrin..anything else I should be doing

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Napxoxen thrice a day

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Naproxen thrice a day for 3 days would help. If pain persists after taking three doses then visit ER for i/v management. Meanwhile take hot water in a rubber bottle and place it at the site of pain. It will gradually give soothing effect.

Thank You

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar