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The Role of IR in Pediatric Pain and Palliation

Michael L Leshen1,2, C Matthew Hawkins1,2

  • 1Division of Interventional Radiology and Image-Guided Medicine, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.

Seminars in Interventional Radiology
|October 13, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric chronic pain management can be improved using interventional radiology. Procedures like nerve blocks and cryoneurolysis offer effective pain relief and enhance the quality of life for children.

Area of Science:

  • Interventional Radiology
  • Pediatric Pain Management
  • Pain Medicine

Background:

  • Pediatric chronic pain is a prevalent issue, frequently underreported and inadequately treated.
  • Causes range from anatomical variations and trauma to inflammation and malignancy.
  • Effective pain management is crucial for improving children's quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe interventional radiology procedures for pediatric pain management.
  • To highlight the role of nerve blocks and cryoneurolysis in alleviating chronic pain in children.
  • To present specific interventional techniques applicable to pediatric pain.

Main Methods:

  • Review of interventional radiology techniques for pediatric pain.
  • Description of splanchnic cryoneurolysis.
  • Explanation of sphenopalatine ganglion nerve block/cryoneurolysis.
  • Details on inferior alveolar nerve block.
  • Outline of intercostal cryoneurolysis.
  • Discussion of cryoablation for painful bone metastases, particularly in sarcoma.

Main Results:

  • Interventional radiology offers targeted solutions for pediatric chronic pain.
  • Nerve blocks and cryoneurolysis demonstrate efficacy as adjunct therapies.
  • Specific procedures provide significant pain relief and improve patient outcomes.
  • Cryoablation is effective for managing bone metastases pain.

Conclusions:

  • Interventional radiology plays a vital role in managing pediatric chronic pain.
  • Nerve blocks and cryoneurolysis are valuable tools for improving quality of life.
  • A range of interventional techniques can address diverse causes of pediatric pain.

Keywords:
cryoneurolysisinterventional radiologynerve blockpalliationpediatric

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