What is a transforaminal epidural steroid injection?
You will be asked to lie on a special x-ray table. You will be given light intravenous sedation and local anesthetic in the area over the nerve root opening. Using live x-ray (fluoroscopy) a needle will be guided into the opening where the nerve root is being compressed. A dye solution that can be seen on our x-ray monitor is injected so that we can determine the extent to which the nerve is being compressed. Local anesthetic is then injected around the nerve root to relieve your pain. A steroid medication is also injected around the nerve root which acts as an anti-inflammatory medication to decrease the inflammation and swelling of the nerve root. What to Expect After your procedure you will be monitored in a recovery area for 30 minutes to one hour to make certain that you are doing well. When you are ready to be discharged, go home directly and rest. Have a responsible person stay with you the first twelve hours. Do not drive a motor vehicle for 24 hours after your procedure. If yo
