[Nerve block in the treatment of cranio-facial pain]

The purpose of antalgic nervous block is described and the reasons why a patient suffering from pain syndrome should be examined at the same time by a multidisclipinary team (whos composition will vary depending on the site of the pain) are explained. Such a team will also include the anaesthetist, maxillofacial surgeon, neurologist, neurosurgeon, orthopaedist, radiophysiothherapist, non-medical psychalagist and neurologist. 2436 antalgic nervous blocks undertaken between 17-3-1963 and 31-5-1974 on the head and neck are reviewed. They are analysed in relation to the site of the block, the pathology, the anaesthetic used, and complications. Long-term results are mentioned in brief.