Regional (nerve block) anaesthetic

An injection of local anaesthetic near specific nerves, given by an anaesthetist, that numbs just the part of the body being operated on, such as an arm or a leg, often with strong pain relief afterwards.

✓ Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant · last reviewed September 2026 · next review September 2027 · how we review

In short

A nerve block numbs just the part of the body being operated on, such as an arm or leg, and often gives strong pain relief afterwards.
It can be used awake, with sedation, or alongside a general anaesthetic; the numb area is also usually weak until the block wears off.
It can reduce the need for strong painkillers, but the block does not always work fully and may need backing up.
Modern regional anaesthesia is very safe; the main specific risk is nerve damage, usually temporary and rarely permanent.

A plain-English summary. The detail — including risks and recovery — is below.

At a glance

TypeRegional anaesthetic for surgery on one part of the body, given by an anaesthetist

AnaestheticThe block itself is the anaesthetic; often combined with sedation or a general anaesthetic

How long it takesThe injection takes a few minutes; numbness can last several hours, sometimes longer

Hospital stayDay case or inpatient, depending on the operation

Time off workDepends on the operation; the block usually wears off within hours to about a day

When you'll see resultsNumbness and weakness in the area wear off as the block fades

On the NHS?Standard NHS care for many limb and other operations; also used privately

A general guide. Your specialist will give you advice for your situation.

Best fit

Numbs only the area being operated on, so the rest of you is unaffected

Pause if

People with existing significant numbness, weakness or nerve disease in the area, where a block could complicate or mask problems, need careful discussion.

Main recovery point

The blocked area stays numb and weak. You cannot judge temperature, pressure or position well, so the limb is protected — for example, an arm in a sling...

Good aftercare

Clear advice and support to protect the numb, weak limb from injury until it recovers.

First few hours

The blocked area stays numb and weak. You cannot judge temperature, pressure or position well, so the limb is...

As the block wears off

Feeling and movement return gradually, often with tingling. Normal pain from the operation may then appear, so...

First day

Most single-shot blocks have worn off by now, though some last longer. If you had sedation or a general...

First few days

Any bruising at the injection site settles. Mild residual numbness or tingling can take longer to fully clear and...

Medical line illustration of peripheral nerve block limb for Regional (nerve block) anaesthetic. — Illustration only - not a diagnosis, medical advice or a promise of result. Your anatomy and treatment plan may differ. Vuemedics does not publish before-and-after photos.

What is a regional (nerve block) anaesthetic?

A regional anaesthetic, often called a nerve block, numbs just one part of your body by injecting local anaesthetic close to the nerves that supply that area. It is used to numb, for example, an arm, hand, leg or foot for an operation, and to give pain relief afterwards. It is given and managed by an anaesthetist.

The anaesthetist usually uses an ultrasound scanner, and sometimes a nerve stimulator, to guide a needle near the right nerves, then injects the local anaesthetic. The area becomes numb and often weak within minutes to half an hour. You may stay awake, have sedation to feel relaxed, or have a nerve block alongside a general anaesthetic so you wake with the area already pain-free.

Nerve blocks can give excellent pain relief that lasts for hours after surgery, which can mean needing fewer strong painkillers and their side effects. Sometimes a fine tube is left near the nerve so pain relief can be topped up for a day or two.

Modern regional anaesthesia is very safe, and most side effects are minor and short-lived. The main specific risk to understand is nerve damage, which is usually temporary and rare when permanent. Your anaesthetist will discuss the risks that matter for you.

Types, options & approaches

There may be different ways to do this. The right approach depends on the clinical question and your circumstances.

Single-shot nerve block

One injection of local anaesthetic near the nerves numbs the area for the operation and for several hours of pain relief afterwards. The most common type.

Continuous nerve block (with a catheter)

A fine tube is left near the nerve so pain relief can be topped up, often by a pump, for a day or two after bigger operations.

Plexus block

Local anaesthetic is placed near a bundle of nerves (for example at the neck or armpit for arm surgery) to numb a whole limb.

Block with sedation or a general anaesthetic

A nerve block is combined with sedation so you feel relaxed, or with a general anaesthetic so you are asleep and wake with the area already numb and comfortable.

Nerve block compared with general anaesthetic

	Nerve block	General anaesthetic
What it numbs	Just one part of the body	Whole body and consciousness
Awareness	Awake or sedated (or asleep if combined)	Fully asleep
Pain relief after	Often strong and long-lasting	Needs separate painkillers
Common effects	Numb, weak limb until it wears off	Sore throat, sickness, drowsiness
Specific risk	Nerve damage (usually temporary, rarely permanent)	Rare awareness, allergy, nerve injury

A nerve block is often combined with sedation or a general anaesthetic rather than used alone. Your anaesthetist will advise what suits your operation.

Preparing for your treatment

Attend your pre-operative assessment so your health is checked and the safest anaesthetic and pain-relief plan is made.
Follow the fasting instructions, as sedation or a general anaesthetic might also be used.
Tell the team about all your medicines, especially blood thinners, as these can affect whether some blocks are safe.
Mention any existing numbness, weakness or nerve problems in the area to be operated on, and any nerve condition such as diabetes affecting the nerves.
Mention allergies and any past problems with anaesthetics or local anaesthetic.
Ask whether you will be awake, sedated or asleep, and how long the numbness and pain relief should last.
Plan for a numb, weak limb afterwards — for example, an arm in a sling or not bearing weight on a leg — and arrange help and a lift home for day cases.
Bring your questions; you will meet your anaesthetist beforehand to discuss the plan and consent.

What happens

Before the operation the anaesthetist reviews your health, explains the plan and answers questions. A cannula is placed in your hand or arm and monitors track your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen.

For the block, the skin is cleaned and usually numbed. The anaesthetist commonly uses an ultrasound scanner to see the nerves, and sometimes a nerve stimulator, then guides a fine needle close to the nerves and injects local anaesthetic. You may feel pushing, pressure or a brief tingle; tell the anaesthetist if you feel a sharp or shooting pain or pins and needles during the injection.

Over the next few minutes to half an hour the area becomes warm, numb and often weak. The anaesthetist checks the block is working before surgery. Depending on the plan, you stay awake, have sedation, or are given a general anaesthetic as well.

During the operation you feel pressure or movement but not pain in the blocked area. Afterwards, the numbness and weakness wear off gradually over hours, sometimes up to about a day; if a tube was left in, pain relief can be topped up while it is needed.

Is this treatment right for me?

A good consultation should explore whether it's the right choice for you now — including reasons to wait or consider something else.

May not be suitable if…

People with existing significant numbness, weakness or nerve disease in the area, where a block could complicate or mask problems, need careful discussion.
People taking certain blood thinners or with a bleeding tendency may not be suitable for some deeper blocks, unless safely managed.
Active infection at the injection site, or an allergy to local anaesthetic.
Operations or body areas not well covered by a nerve block, or where a general anaesthetic is safer or more practical.

Delay or rearrange if…

There is an infection at or near the injection site, or a fever.
You are taking blood-thinning medicine that has not been safely managed, for deeper blocks.
There are new, unexplained nerve symptoms in the area that need assessing first.
Key information about your health or medicines is missing.

Alternatives to discuss

A general anaesthetic, with separate pain relief.
A spinal or epidural for lower-body operations.
Local anaesthetic injected directly at the operation site for smaller procedures.
Pain relief by mouth or through a vein, including patient-controlled options, after surgery.

Before you decide

Use this as a shared-decision checklist. The aim is not just “can this be done?”, but whether it is right for you, now, with the risks and alternatives clearly understood.

What matters most to me?

Think about symptoms, daily life, work, caring responsibilities, sport, fertility, travel, appearance and anxiety — the right choice depends on your priorities, not just the medical facts.

What are all my options?

Ask about waiting, monitoring, medicines, rehabilitation, a smaller or larger procedure, a different test, NHS referral, or a second opinion where that would help.

What would make me pause?

Active infection, pregnancy, unstable medical problems, smoking, medicines that increase bleeding, poor support at home, or feeling pressured are all reasons to slow down and get tailored advice.

What happens if I do nothing today?

For some problems, waiting is safe; for others, delay can make treatment harder. A good consultation should explain the trade-off in plain English.

Comfort, sedation or contrast choices

If local anaesthetic, sedation, contrast or pain relief is used, ask what is planned, why, and what it means afterwards.

Nerve block awake

The block numbs the area while you stay awake; suitable for some shorter limb operations.

Nerve block with sedation

Sedative medicine is added so you feel relaxed or drowsy without being fully asleep.

Nerve block with a general anaesthetic

You are asleep for the operation and wake with the area already numb and comfortable.

Continuous block with a catheter

A fine tube near the nerve allows pain relief to be topped up for a day or two after bigger operations.

Benefits

Numbs only the area being operated on, so the rest of you is unaffected
Can avoid or reduce the need for a full general anaesthetic for some operations
Gives strong pain relief that often lasts for hours after surgery
Can reduce the need for strong painkillers and their side effects, such as sickness and drowsiness
Often allows a quicker, more comfortable early recovery and earlier discharge for suitable operations
Pain relief can be extended with a fine tube for bigger operations

Risks & complications

More common

Numbness and weakness in the area until the block wears off
Not being able to use the limb normally for several hours, sometimes up to about a day
Bruising or soreness at the injection site
The block not numbing every part evenly, sometimes leaving a patch of sensation

Less common

The block not working fully, so it is repeated, topped up, or backed up with sedation or a general anaesthetic
The numbness or weakness lasting longer than expected
Light-headedness or a metallic taste if a little local anaesthetic reaches the bloodstream
For some chest or neck blocks, temporary effects on breathing or a droopy eyelid that settle

Rare but serious

Temporary nerve damage causing numbness, tingling or weakness in the area, usually recovering over weeks to a few months
Permanent nerve damage, which is rare
Infection or bleeding at the injection site
A serious reaction to a large amount of local anaesthetic reaching the bloodstream (local anaesthetic toxicity), which the anaesthetist is trained to manage
A severe allergic reaction to the medicines

The main specific risk people want to understand is nerve damage. Mild numbness, tingling or weakness in the area can happen and usually recovers over weeks to a few months; permanent nerve damage is rare. Tell your anaesthetist about any existing numbness, weakness or nerve problems, diabetes affecting the nerves, or blood thinners. After the block, protect the numb, weak limb from injury, and report numbness, tingling or weakness that is getting worse or not recovering as expected.

Published figures to discuss

Most effects of a nerve block are common but minor and short-lived, such as a numb, weak limb; the serious risks are rare. The Royal College of Anaesthetists publishes cautious figures and stresses that nerve-injury risk varies with the type of block, the operation, the surgery itself and your health, so single numbers can mislead. Most nerve symptoms recover; permanent injury is rare. The figures below are drawn cautiously from RCoA patient information and should be treated as approximate.

Figure	Reported range	How to interpret it	Source / confidence
Temporary nerve symptoms (numbness, tingling or weakness)	Uncommon — most settle within weeks; RCoA notes a small proportion (broadly in the region of around 1 in 100) may still have temporary symptoms at about a year	The figure varies with the block and the surgery; symptoms from the operation itself can be hard to separate from the block.	RCoA — Peripheral nerve blocks (patient information)rcoa.ac.ukPublished figure
Permanent nerve damage	Around 2–5 in 10,000 peripheral nerve blocks in RCoA patient information	Exact risk varies by block type, operation and existing nerve disease; temporary symptoms are much more common and usually recover.	RCoA — Peripheral nerve blocks (patient information)rcoa.ac.ukSource-linked context
Local anaesthetic toxicity (too much reaching the bloodstream)	Registry estimates are around 0.27 per 1,000 peripheral nerve blocks, with higher or lower figures by block and dose	Anaesthetists reduce this risk by dose calculation, aspiration, incremental injection and ultrasound where appropriate, and are trained to treat it urgently.	Gitman & Barrington — Local anesthetic systemic toxicity reviewpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govPublished figure

These are literature figures, not a personalised prediction. Your own risks and likely benefits depend on your circumstances, your health, and how your care is carried out and followed up.

What happens afterwards

There is no surgical wound from a nerve block, just a small injection site. Afterwards, the area stays numb and weak for several hours, so the focus is on protecting that limb from harm, knowing when normal pain may return, and watching for the specific warning signs.

First few hours

The blocked area stays numb and weak. You cannot judge temperature, pressure or position well, so the limb is protected — for example, an arm in a sling, or not putting weight on a leg.

As the block wears off

Feeling and movement return gradually, often with tingling. Normal pain from the operation may then appear, so take the pain relief you are given before the block has fully worn off.

First day

Most single-shot blocks have worn off by now, though some last longer. If you had sedation or a general anaesthetic, do not drive or be alone for 24 hours.

First few days

Any bruising at the injection site settles. Mild residual numbness or tingling can take longer to fully clear and should be improving.

Beyond a few days

Most people have no further effects from the block. Tell your team if numbness, tingling or weakness is not recovering as expected.

What's normal — and not a worry

A numb, weak, heavy limb for several hours
Tingling as feeling returns
Pain from the operation appearing once the block wears off
A small bruise or tenderness at the injection site
Needing to protect the limb until strength and sensation return

Aftercare

Protect the numb, weak limb from injury, heat and pressure until feeling and strength return.
Do not bear weight on a numb leg or use a numb arm until staff confirm it is safe.
Take the pain relief you are given before the block fully wears off, so pain does not catch up with you.
If you had sedation or a general anaesthetic, do not drive, drink alcohol or be alone for at least 24 hours.
If a pain-relief tube was left in, follow the instructions for the pump and tube site.
Watch for numbness, tingling or weakness that is getting worse or not recovering.
Watch the injection or tube site for redness, swelling, increasing pain or fever.
Follow the aftercare for the operation itself.

Before your treatment

A sling or support, or crutches, if your arm or leg will be numb
Pain relief ready to take before the block wears off
A responsible adult to take you home if you had sedation
Knowing how to protect the numb limb from injury
Knowing the nerve and infection warning signs
Instructions for any pain-relief pump or tube
The ward or clinic contact number saved

Scars and how they heal

A nerve block is given through a fine needle, not a surgical cut, so there is no scar. You may have a small puncture mark or bruise at the injection site, which fades within days. If a tube was left in for pain relief, its small entry point heals quickly.

⚠ Get urgent help if…

Numbness, tingling or weakness in the area that is getting worse, or not recovering after the block should have worn off — seek medical advice
Light-headedness, ringing in the ears, a metallic taste, twitching or a racing heart soon after the injection — tell staff immediately
Difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips or tongue (possible allergic reaction) — call 999
Increasing pain, redness, swelling or discharge at the injection or tube site, or a fever
A numb limb that becomes cold, very pale or discoloured
Severe pain once the block wears off that your pain relief does not control
Any warning sign related to your operation

Who to contact: your clinician, clinic or test provider first (keep their number to hand). For urgent advice when you can't reach them, call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.

General guidance — it doesn't replace the specific advice your specialist gives you.

Results & realistic expectations

A good result is a block that numbs the area well, so the operation is comfortable, and that gives lasting pain relief afterwards before wearing off cleanly. For many limb operations this can mean a smoother early recovery with fewer strong painkillers.

A nerve block supports the operation but does not change its result. It does not always work fully and may need repeating, topping up, or backing up with sedation or a general anaesthetic; your anaesthetist will discuss this possibility beforehand.

How long it lasts

A single-shot nerve block is short-acting, usually wearing off within hours to about a day, with no lasting effect for almost everyone. A continuous block with a tube lasts as long as it is needed, often a day or two. Mild numbness or tingling occasionally takes weeks to a few months to fully settle; permanent nerve damage is rare.

Related tests, treatments or support

A nerve block is often combined with sedation so you feel relaxed, or with a general anaesthetic so you are asleep for the operation and wake with the area already numb and comfortable. It may also be added to other pain-relief methods after surgery. Your anaesthetist will explain the combined plan and why it suits you.

Follow-up & long-term care

Most people need no specific follow-up for a single-shot block, as it wears off quickly. If a pain-relief tube was left in, the acute pain team or anaesthetist usually reviews you while it is in place. If numbness, tingling or weakness is not recovering, this should be reviewed: in hospital by the team, or after discharge by contacting the team or your GP.

Repeat, follow-on and what comes next

A block sometimes does not work fully and may need repeating, topping up, or backing up with sedation or a general anaesthetic.
A continuous block tube can come out or need replacing.
Numbness or weakness can outlast the expected time and should be reviewed if not recovering.
Pain relief plans may be adjusted as the block wears off.

Ask what happens if the result is unclear or needs repeating, and what is included if further tests or follow-up are needed.

What good aftercare looks like

Clear advice and support to protect the numb, weak limb from injury until it recovers.
Pain relief given in good time before the block wears off, with a plan if pain is severe.
Review by an acute pain team or anaesthetist if a continuous block tube is in place.
Clear written warning signs for nerve symptoms, infection and local anaesthetic toxicity.
A named contact and prompt review if numbness, tingling or weakness is not recovering.

What affects the cost

Costs vary a great deal between people and providers, and we don't publish prices. What matters is understanding what drives the cost and making sure your quote is complete. The main things that affect it:

The anaesthetist's fee, reflecting the length and complexity of the operation
Whether a single-shot block or a continuous block with a tube and pump is used
Whether sedation or a general anaesthetic is combined with the block
Ongoing pain-relief management while any tube is in place
Your overall health and the length of hospital stay

Make sure your written quote includes

Whether the anaesthetist's fee is included in your overall surgical package or charged separately
Who your anaesthetist will be and how to contact them with questions
Whether sedation, monitoring and any pain pump are included
Whether follow-up by an acute pain team is included if a tube is left in
What happens, clinically and financially, if the block needs backing up with a general anaesthetic

On the NHS? A regional nerve block is standard NHS care for many limb and other operations and is also used privately; it forms part of the cost of the operation rather than a separate self-pay treatment.

You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including reports, follow-up and what happens if the result is inconclusive — before you decide.

Choosing a specialist safely

Check the specialist is on the GMC Specialist Register for this area.
Make sure they work at a CQC-registered service, and look for membership of the relevant Royal College or professional body.
You're entitled to time to consider and to have your questions answered before you agree — the specialist who looks after you should explain it, not a salesperson.
Be wary of pressure: time-limited offers or deposits taken before you've had time to think are red flags, not bargains.
You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including any follow-up — before you decide.

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Questions to ask your medical professional

Take this to your consultation. A good specialist will welcome every one of these.

Is a nerve block suitable for my operation, and will I be awake, sedated or asleep?
How long should the numbness, weakness and pain relief last?
What are my particular risks, especially of nerve problems?
What happens if the block does not work fully during the operation?
How should I protect the numb limb, and when can I use it again?
What symptoms after the block should make me seek help?
Are you on the GMC Specialist Register for this area, and which Royal College or professional body are you a member of?
Will you be the specialist who carries out my treatment, and who looks after me afterwards?
What are the risks for someone like me, and how often do your own patients have a problem or need it repeated or redone?
What does a realistic result look like — and what can this treatment not achieve?
What are my options, including waiting, doing nothing for now, or choosing a different approach?
Can I have written information, results and aftercare instructions in a format I can use, including any accessibility or communication support I need?
What is the total cost in writing, including any follow-ups, and how much time do I have to decide?

Frequently asked questions

Will I be awake during my operation with a nerve block?

It depends on the plan. A nerve block can be used while you are awake, with sedation to feel relaxed, or alongside a general anaesthetic so you are asleep and wake with the area numb and comfortable. Your anaesthetist will explain which applies to you.

How long will the numbness and weakness last?

A single injection usually numbs and weakens the area for several hours, sometimes up to about a day. Protect the limb and do not use it or bear weight on it until feeling and strength return.

Can a nerve block damage my nerves?

Mild numbness, tingling or weakness can happen and usually recovers over weeks to a few months. Permanent nerve damage is rare. Tell your anaesthetist about any existing nerve problems, and report symptoms that get worse or do not recover.

Does a nerve block always work?

Usually it works well, but not always fully. Sometimes it leaves a patch of sensation or needs repeating, topping up, or backing up with sedation or a general anaesthetic. This possibility is discussed with you beforehand.

What should I do when the block wears off?

Take the pain relief you are given before the block fully wears off, so the operation's pain does not catch up with you suddenly. Keep protecting the limb until strength and sensation are fully back.

Is a nerve block better than a general anaesthetic?

For some operations it can mean less sickness, strong pain relief and a quicker early recovery, but it is not right for everyone or every operation. Your anaesthetist will advise what is safest and most suitable for you.

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How we made this page

Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant. Written in plain English, checked against NHS, NICE, GMC and relevant Royal College / specialist-society guidance, and kept under review. No clinic paid to appear on this page, and we publish no pricing. This is general information to help you prepare — it is not a substitute for advice from your own clinician. How we review our guides →

Source hierarchy: UK regulator and NHS/NICE guidance first, then relevant Royal College or specialist-society guidance, then peer-reviewed evidence for procedure-specific figures where available.

Sources & standards: RCoA — Peripheral nerve blocks (patient information) RCoA — Nerve damage after a peripheral nerve block RCoA — Risks associated with regional anaesthesia RCoA — You and your anaesthetic Gitman & Barrington — Local anesthetic systemic toxicity review NHS — Anaesthesia

Reviews reflect patients' experience of care, not clinical outcomes. For procedure volumes and outcome data see PHIN.

Last medically reviewed 2026-09-21. Spotted something wrong or out of date? Report an error in this guide.