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Patient Restrictions: |
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For safety, some patients are not allowed to undergo a spinal injection for the following reasons: |
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Procedure Protocols: |
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Patient Preparation: At Home |
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It is important to follow all pre-test instructions. These instructions generally include: |
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Stop blood thinning medication 7 to 14 days prior to the test. Please contact Physician for details
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Do not take any aspirin product 5 days prior to the test
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Stop anti-inflammatory medication 5 days prior to the test
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Stop pain medication 8 hours prior to the test
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Do not eat or drink 6 hours prior to the test
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Arrange for someone to provide transportation home
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Patient Preparation: At the Medical Facility |
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The medical staff will review the patient's history, condition, medications taken on a daily basis, food and/or drug allergies, and other information.
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The patient changes into a gown and lies down in a hospital bed. The facility provides a secure place for the patient's personal items.
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An EKG monitor (heart function), automatic blood pressure cuff (blood pressure), and oximeter (measures blood-oxygen levels) are attached to the patient. This equipment enables the medical staff to consistently monitor the patient's vital signs before, during and after the procedure.
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Medication to relax the patient is administered by injection. In some cases, light intravenous sedation may be given.
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What to Expect During the Procedure: |
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The procedure is performed in a sterile setting similar to an operating room.
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The injection site is cleaned and draped. Skin numbing medication is injected into and around the procedure site.
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Before proceeding, the fluoroscopy C-arm is positioned over the patient. Fluoroscopic guidance is used during the procedure to guide the needle into the proper position.
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After the needle is placed, an anesthetic and steroid are injected. An antibiotic may be included in the injection to prevent infection.
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After the Procedure: |
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The patient is wheeled to the recovery area where the medical staff continues to monitor vital signs.
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Patients are usually discharged home when stable with written instructions.
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The area around the injection site will feel numb.
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Steroids may cause side effects that include blurred vision, frequent urination, increased thirst and change in blood sugar levels. If these side effects become bothersome or worsen, seek medical attention.
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If fever, chills, increased pain, weakness or loss of bowel/bladder function occurs, seek immediate medical attention. “Follow-up with the treating physician.
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Possible Complications: |
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Spinal injections, like other medical procedures, have risks. Complications include risk of infection, low blood pressure, headache, and injury to nerve tissue. |
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