Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
04:06
Minimally Invasive Surgical Decompression of Occipital Nerves
Published on: September 13, 2024
Teaching peripheral nerve blocks for the head and neck area to dermatologists
J Paoli1, C Halldin, C Sandberg
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Institute of Clinical Sciences at Sahlgrenska Academy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. john.paoli@vgregion.se
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV
|September 14, 2011
Summary
Dermatologists can safely learn facial and scalp nerve blocks through focused training. This method empowers them to perform these procedures independently in outpatient settings.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Dermatology
- Medical Education
Background:
- Peripheral nerve blocks in the head and neck are valuable for dermatological procedures.
- Anesthesiologist availability can be limited in outpatient settings, necessitating physician training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a teaching method for facial and scalp nerve blocks for dermatologists.
- To facilitate independent nerve block placement by dermatologists.
Main Methods:
- Half-day courses combining theoretical education, video demonstrations, and supervised hands-on training.
- Training focused on supraorbital/supratrochlear, infraorbital, mental, and occipital nerve blocks.
- Participant outcomes assessed via survey 1-2 years post-course.
Main Results:
- All 20 survey respondents successfully performed at least one nerve block during training.
- 65% (13/20) of participants could perform all taught nerve block techniques at follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Dermatologists can acquire safe and effective facial and scalp nerve block skills through structured half-day training.
- This training enables dermatologists to perform nerve blocks independently in practice.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Surface, Infiltration, and Conduction Block Anesthesia
Depending on the target organ, local anesthetics (LAs) can be administered via various routes. In surface anesthesia, LAs are applied directly to the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. It is widely used for topical skin numbing before venipuncture or minor surgical procedures. Commonly used surface local anesthetics are lidocaine or benzocaine sprays or creams. Surface anesthesia occurs within 5 minutes and lasts for about 60 minutes. One of the main disadvantages of topical anesthesia is...
01:16Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Intravenous Regional Anesthesia
Intravenous regional anesthesia or the Bier block technique is used to anesthetize a specific limb or extremity. It uses exsanguinated or blood-drained vessels to transport local anesthetics or LAs to the peripheral nerve trunks. Lidocaine without vasoconstrictors like epinephrine is most commonly used for this technique. Other drugs used are prilocaine, ropivacaine, and chloroprocaine. Bupivacaine is not recommended for this technique due to its high cardiac toxicity.
One of the advantages of...
One of the advantages of...
01:11Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Spinal anesthetics are given during lower abdomen and limb surgeries to block sensory and motor neurons. They are administered in the mid to low lumbar regions, primarily acting on the cauda equina's nerve roots. The blockade level depends on the local anesthetic (LA) concentration. Usually, low LA concentrations are sufficient to block sensory fibers, while only high LA concentrations block motor fibers. Other factors like injection volume and speed, the patient's posture, and the drug...
01:24Local Anesthetics: Differential Sensitivity of Nerve Fibers
Local anesthetics (LAs) block the sodium channels of nerve trunks, sensory nerve endings, and neuromuscular junctions. Although LAs can block all kinds of nerves, the sensitivity of nerve fibers differs according to nerve types and structures. LAs are known to block myelinated fibers faster than unmyelinated ones. Also, they block pain or sensory neurons at low concentrations without affecting the motor neurons involved in muscle contractions. This helps relieve labor pain without affecting the...
01:29Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Epidural anesthetics are administered in the fat-filled epidural space, the outermost part of the spinal canal. This technique is commonly employed for pain management and anesthesia during lower abdomen and pelvis surgeries or labor and delivery.
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
01:22Spinal Nerves: Plexus I
Nerve plexuses are networks of interlacing nerves that serve as communication hubs to distribute and organize nerve action across various body regions. The nerve plexuses are organized into the cervical plexus located in the neck region, brachial plexus in the shoulder area, lumbar plexus found in the lower back, sacral plexus situated in the pelvis, and coccygeal plexus located in the coccygeal region.
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...