Prepare for the Brachial Plexus Block Procedure

How Should I Prepare for the Procedure?

The brachial plexus block is a safe medical procedure; but, as with any procedure, it has risks as well as benefits. To minimize the chance of complications, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Do not eat or drink anything for six hours prior to the procedure.

It is required that you be accompanied to and from Stanford Ambulatory Surgery Center by a responsible adult driver. Most likely you will be offered a small dose of intravenous medication during the procedure which will act to not only decrease anxiety, but provide you some pain relief from the minor discomfort of the procedure itself. This intravenous medication that you receive will impair your driving ability; therefore, it is imperative that you be accompanied by a responsible adult driver.