Diagnostic and therapeutic anesthetic infiltration: what you need to know

Anesthetic infiltration involves injecting an anesthetic, with or without a corticosteroid, around a nerve or group of nerves to relieve pain and/or determine its origin. This procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance by a specialized physician.

When is it used?

Infiltration is indicated in the following cases:

  • Persistent neuropathic pain after trauma or surgery.
  • Chronic pelvic-perineal pain, by assessing somatic nerves (pudendal, ilioinguinal, etc.) or vegetative nerves (impar ganglion, hypogastric plexus).
  • Diagnosis and treatment of complex pain to confirm a neuropathic origin or explore other causes.

Mechanism Infiltration procedure

  1. Preparation: No need to fast.
  2. Technique: The physician injects a product under ultrasound control. The sensation may vary, with minimal pain when the needle is passed.
  3. Duration: The procedure is rapid and designed to maximize patient comfort.

What can I expect after the injection?

  • Temporary recurrence of pain: Possible within 48 hours of the procedure.
  • Recommended rest period: 48 hours to optimize effects.
  • Results: Effects generally begin to be felt between 3 days and a week after injection.
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Advantages and limitations

  1. Therapeutic and diagnostic goal: Can confirm the origin of pain and offer lasting relief.
  2. Safety: Risks are rare (infection, hematoma, vagal discomfort), and side effects associated with the corticosteroid or anesthetic are transient.

When is the test positive?

If pain is reduced by 50% within three hours of a test infiltration, this confirms the efficacy and neuropathic origin of the pain.


When infiltration offers pain relief for several weeks, radiotherapy may be a good alternative to prolong its effect for several months.


This safe and precise medical procedure offers a solution for better understanding and treating your pain.
To find out more, or to discuss your situation, talk to your doctor.

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Dr Nabila

- Médecin anesthésiste - Spécialiste de la douleur

- Médecin anesthésiste - Spécialiste de la douleur

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