Nerve Block for Migraine

NYU Langone neurologists offer a procedure called a nerve block to stop the pain of an acute migraine attack. This quick, outpatient procedure is used as an abortive treatment, which is one that is offered during a pain episode, when you are in need of immediate relief.

Your doctor injects small amounts of a numbing medicine such as lidocaine or bupivacaine into the base of the skull to block pain signals from the nerves. Pain may be relieved within a few minutes, and the effects of the procedure can last weeks to months.

A nerve block is a temporary treatment for severe pain. It may be recommended when other medications do not relieve symptoms or when other treatments are contraindicated.

Nerve blocks are performed on an as-needed basis. Your doctor can determine whether this is an appropriate treatment for your symptoms.