CT Guided Injection
Patients having procedures under local anaesthesia do not need to fast and can eat and drink as normal.
What is a CT guided Injection?
The injection is usually performed by a Radiologist, it can help to relieve pain and inflammation around the nerve. It is used to help leg pain (Sciatica) and paraesthesia (pins and needles) and is sometimes also used for back pain. The CT scanner is used to guide the needle to ensure the correct area is injected.
What is injected?
- An anti-inflammatory drug (Steroid)
- A local anaesthetic
- A small quantity of dye is also injected so that the doctor can be sure that the injection is around the nerve
The local anaesthetic will be responsible for any immediate relief of symptoms. When this wears off the pain may return before the benefits of the anti- inflammatory is felt. The anti-inflammatory drug may take up to 6 weeks to work. Pain may return after some time. If this occurs, a decision will then be made about repeating the injection or considering other possible treatments.
Important Information
Ahead of your appointment, please inform the X-ray and CT staff if you:
- Are diabetic
- Feel unwell
- Have an infection, cold or persistent cough
- Have any allergies
- Are taking any of the following medications - Aspirin, Warfarin, Clopidogrel, Rivaroxaban or any other tablets used to thin the blood (some of these MAY need to be stopped some days before the procedure)
- Think you may be or are pregnant
Failure to inform the department may result in the procedure being cancelled.
What are the risks of this procedure?
Complications are rare, but the possible risks are:
- Temporary discomfort for a few days after your injection
- Facial flushing for a few days
- For people who menstruate - temporary alteration of your menstrual cycle
- Infection
- Bleeding around the nerve causing local bruising
- If you are diabetic, then the injection may raise your glucose levels. These should be monitored for up to one month after the injection. If there are any changes in your diabetic symptoms, please consult your GP
- Damage to the small veins on insertion of the needle
- Damage to the lining around the nerve which may cause a severe headache for a few days
- Nerve damage
- Urinary complications (incontinence or difficulty emptying your bladder)
- Allergic reaction to the injection which may be mild or life-threatening (anaphylaxis)
Risks from having a CT guided injection are small. Please discuss any concerns with the clinician looking after you
On the day of your procedure
- You should arrive at the X-ray department no more than 10 minutes before your appointment time.
- If a relative or friend brings you in, they can accompany you to the X-ray reception, where you will be booked in and handed in to the care of the team in CT. Please ensure that your relative or friend is aware that there is waiting space for patients only in X-ray.
- You will not be able to drive after the injection, and it is recommended to not use public transport, therefore please ensure that alternative transport arrangements are made. Ideally someone should attend the appointment with you. Hospital transport can only be booked if there is a medical need and you meet the set criteria.
- Take any medications as normal unless advised otherwise. Bring a list of your tablets with you on the day.
- You will be in CT room/X-ray department up to an hour, however this time may vary depending on individual circumstances.
What the procedure involves
You may be asked to lie on either your front or back for the procedure, which usually takes 10-20 minutes. Local anaesthetic is injected into the skin and a fine needle is passed toward the nerve root under X-ray guidance. Once the needle is confirmed to be close to the nerve, the injection takes place by the guidance of the CT scanner.
What happens after your procedure?
You will be monitored by the nursing staff in the CT area until you are ready to go home (about 30 minutes).
Back at home
It is important that you take things easy for the rest of the day. Do not do any excessive exercise or heavy work for the first few days. If a dressing is in place, remove the dressing the morning following your procedure. Continue to take your pain relief tablets until you notice an improvement in your symptoms.
Contact information
Imaging Department - 0121 812 3381 /
If you do not attend your appointment, you will not be added back onto the waiting list and your appointment will not be re-booked.