I have severe acid reflux and after years of conventional treatment that has failed. I have been booked in for a nerve block. I wanted to know what is the difference between a cephalic and splanchnic nerve block? Is there a difference? which is safer? I read in a journal that cephalic nerve block can lead to diarrhoea and there have been few reported deaths. It seems to be one of the risks involved?
Is this the case? Does the same risk exist with the splanchnic nerve block?
Thanks
Age:39
Female
Medications: None
Hi
Both can cause low blood pressure —>leading to death in rare cases and both cause diarrhoea , however I would go with splanchnic nerve Block as it is easier , success chances are higher and recovery speed and rate is higher than Retrocrural Celiac Plexus Block
Good Luck
Dr. Ahmad Fawzy, can you please let me know if the diarrhoea is a permanent effect or temporary. I ready it can be permanent but wasn’t sure which procedure it was i.e. both or just the celiac plexus? Thank you very much
I agree with dr. Ahmed fawzi in going with the splanchnic nerve block ,and the diarrhea is not permanent ,in most cases it took days to subside and some cases did not suffer them at all.but it is expected to have loose stool after the procedure mostly.
Hi..
Side effects can occur with both the nerve blocks, however the side effects are temporary and resolve gradually..
However Splanchnic Nerve block is more preferable due to ease of administration and other benefits..
Hope this helps..
Hi..
You need not to worry as the symptoms are generally temporary and diarrhea will resolve gradually and is not a permanent symptom..
Regards.
There are 2 types of nerve Block, one of them is temporary (medical induced paralysis to the nerve) other is radio-frequency (heat) killing the nerve, permenantly
In your case I guess your doctor will choose permenant I guess
The procedure was designed mainly to reduce pain not stop acid reflux, in case of cancer or other visceral pain
Good Luck