What Happens During the Procedure?

First, an intravenous line will be placed, generally in your hand or arm. We will initiate continuous monitoring of your heart, breathing and blood pressure. You will be asked to lie on the treatment table. X-ray guidance will be used to help with placement of the medication. Once the equipment has been positioned, you will be offered sedative medications to help you relax and minimize discomfort.

A patch of skin over your face will be cleaned, using an antiseptic solution, and local anesthetic injected into the skin to decrease any pain associated with performance of the procedure. A needle will be placed adjacent to the gasserian ganglion using X-ray guidance. The procedure takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to perform once the monitors and X-ray machine are in place. Occasionally, because the gasserian ganglion is adjacent to blood vessels, swelling or bruising of the face may occur. Should this occur, we would recommend that you rest in a seated position and use an ice pack.