Giving consent-Spinal injection

Giving consent

Your Specialist will have discussed with you the expected benefits and potential risks of the procedure

Before the procedure the Radiologist or Radiology Technician will re-discuss the potential risks, and you can then ask any questions you have about the procedure.

You will be asked to sign a consent form. This states that you agree to the procedure and understand what it involves. 

Pre Examination - spinal injections

Preparing for your spinal injection

Our booking team will ask you a few questions about your health and any pre-existing conditions including diabetes or bleeding disorders, medication you may be taking, including blood thinning and over the counter medications.

• Please advise the team if you have any allergies in particular any reactions to CT contrast, corticosteroids, or anaesthetics
• You may be asked to have a blook test to check your clotting
• If you are a woman of childbearing age, you will be asked if you could be pregnant.  If you are unsure, you will be required to take a pregnancy test before attending the appointment
• You may be asked to stop taking some medications for a few days before and after the procedure
• Before your procedure you can drink sips of water and take your usual medications. You cannot eat for 4 hours before the procedure
• Some patients find it useful to take some mild pain relief before the procedure.  500mg - 1g of Panadol is usually sufficient

Your Examination - spinal injections

What happens during the procudure?

Your spinal injection will be performed by a Radiologist.

During the procedure:

• You will be asked to change into a gown
• The Radiologist may insert a small cannula in the back of your hand or arm
• For lumbar spine injections you will usually be positioned lying face down on your stomach. 
• For cervical spine injections you may be placed on your stomach, back or side
• The Radiologist will inject some local anaesthetic around the area where the needle is to be inserted. This may cause a stinging sensation. The local anaesthetic will numb the area. The Radiologist will then carefully guide a thin needle into the correct location using CT imaging. A small amount of contrast may be injected to confirm the position of the needle tip
• Once the needle is in the correct position the anaesthetic and corticosteroid is injected. Whilst the needle is being inserted it is important to stay very still. Please tell the Radiologist if you experience any pain or discomfort
• The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes to complete

Post examination - spinal injection

What should I expect after my spinal injection?

Most patients are able to go home shortly after the procedure.

After your injection:

• You will be monitored for 10 to 20 minutes before leaving. The staff will check that you are comfortable and able to mobilise safely before you leave
• For safety reasons you should not drive home and will need to arrange transport. Once home you may experience an increase in pain for 24 - 72 hours. Your symptoms should gradually improve
• The anaesthetic may cause you to experience limb weakness for a few hours following the procedure
• It can take up to 2 weeks to feel the full effects
• Continue to take pain relief for the first 72 hours
• The dressing can be removed after 24 hours

What should I do if I have a problem?

If you have any concerns that you may have developed a complication, or if you experience any of the following symptoms, please contact your doctor for advice.

These could include:

• Worsening pain
• Increase redness, swelling or oozing
• Fever (temperature higher than 38 degrees)
• Sudden weakness or numbness
• Loss of bowel or bladder control