Different skill levels required for sciatic nerve block and brachial plexus bloc

Posted by GeorgeVelvet on May 13th, 2013

The sciatic nerve and the brachial plexus are found in two completely different parts of the human body. The sciatic nerve is the widest and the longest single nerve of the human body and it goes from the top of the leg to the foot on the posterior aspect. This nerve supplies almost all the muscles of the thigh, foot and leg and the skin of the leg. The brachial plexus is a network of nerve fibers that goes from the neck and travels through the axilla and ends in the arm. When there is local anesthesia required in these regions these nerves are blocked. After nerve block and brachial plexus blocks have been put in place the pain is temporarily controlled and this helps in better diagnosis and treatment.

For both nerve block and brachial plexus blocks there can be different anesthetics that are used – local anesthesia with epinephrine, opioids and steroids. There are different functions of these different types of anesthetics. While opioids are used as painkillers steroids are used for the reduction of inflammation. Epinephrine constricts the blood vessels so that the diffusion of the local anesthetic is delayed. Depending on the type of treatment nerve blocks can be used one time or multiple times.

There are several advantages of nerve block, brachial plexus blocks and other nerve blocks. The first advantage is that there is no need for general anesthesia. There are patients whose bodily conditions don’t permit general anesthesia and they benefit from this process. This also means that the patient can remain awake throughout the treatment process. As a result there is no aspiration of the contents of the stomach into the lungs.

The other advantage of nerve block, brachial plexus blocks and other nerve blocks is that surgical processes and diagnoses can be easily performed without the patient even feeling it. And the effects of nerve blocks are extended way past the surgery and this means that there is great pain relief even hours after the surgery has been performed. Nerve blocks also result in vasodilation. Vasodilation improves flow of blood to the affected region and this technically helps in microvascular surgery processes. The need for tracheal intubation is also removed due to this process.

Of course, nerve blocks have their complications too and hence experience does matter in this form of regional anesthesia. But since this is not a new concept any more it is easy to get firsthand experience of this process while someone is going through their medical school. And if someone is interested to know more about nerve blocks then the internet is always there. So that someone can get a real good look at how experts perform nerve blocks there are enough free videos available too.

Nerve blocking processes like nerve block and brachial plexus blocks have transformed the way surgeries are performed these days. Nerve blocks needs moderate to advanced skill levels but one can always acquire the skills through observation and practice and of course, by reading and viewing online.

The skill level required for sciatic nerve block and brachial plexus blocks ranges from moderate to advanced and hence firsthand experience is a must.