About Transforaminal Epidural Block
Key Highlights
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Targeted Pain Relief: Delivers medication directly to the inflamed nerve root, providing highly focused and effective relief.Minimally Invasive: Performed through a small needle, avoiding the need for open surgery and promoting faster recovery.Diagnostic & Therapeutic: Can help confirm the source of pain while simultaneously treating it.listrongImproved Mobility:/strong Reduces pain and inflammation, allowing for better participation in physical rehabilitation./lilistrongOutpatient Procedure:/strong Typically performed in an ambulatory setting, often allowing patients to go home the same day./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Radiculopathy (nerve root pain) such as sciatica, often radiating down the arm or leg.
- Pain from a herniated or bulging intervertebral disc compressing a nerve root.
- Symptomatic spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramen).
- Failed back surgery syndrome with persistent radicular symptoms.
- Degenerative disc disease causing nerve root irritation.
- Diagnostic evaluation to pinpoint the specific nerve root responsible for pain.
How to prepare
- Complete a thorough medical evaluation, including a review of your medical history, current medications, and allergies.
- Inform your neurosurgeon about all medications, especially blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel), which may need to be paused.
- Undergo necessary imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan, to precisely identify the problematic area.
- Fast for a specified period (typically 6-8 hours) before the procedure if sedation is planned.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as you will not be permitted to drive.
Risks & possible complications
- Temporary numbness, weakness, or a feeling of heaviness in the limbs.
- Minor bleeding, bruising, or soreness at the injection site.
- Headache from inadvertent dural puncture (rare with transforminal approach).
- Infection at the injection site or in the epidural space (very rare).
- Allergic reaction to the contrast dye, anesthetic, or steroid medication.
- Nerve injury or spinal cord damage (extremely rare with image guidance).
- Transient increase in blood sugar levels (for diabetic patients, due to steroid).
Recovery & hospital stay
- Rest for the remainder of the day after the procedure. Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or bending for 24-48 hours.
- You may experience immediate pain relief from the anesthetic, followed by a return of pain before the steroid takes full effect in 2-5 days.
- Keep the injection site clean and dry. You may shower but avoid baths, hot tubs, or swimming for a day or two.
- Resume your regular medications as directed by your doctor, unless otherwise instructed.
- Attend all follow-up appointments to assess the effectiveness of the block and discuss the next steps in your treatment plan, which often includes physical therapy.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (Typically outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 1-3 days for initial recovery; full therapeutic effect in 1-2 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering transforaminal epidural block in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for transforaminal epidural block in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Cytecare Hospital, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform transforaminal epidural block. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for transforaminal epidural block compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 25 Thousand – 70 Thousand | 0-1 days (Typically outpatient) | ~ 1-3 days for initial recovery; full therapeutic effect in 1-2 weeks | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 87.5 Thousand – 245 Thousand | 0-1 days (Typically outpatient) | ~ 1-3 days for initial recovery; full therapeutic effect in 1-2 weeks | Know More |
Top hospitals for Transforaminal Epidural Block in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing transforaminal epidural block.
Arjun Patel, a 48-year-old construction foreman,...
Arjun Patel, a 48-year-old construction foreman, had been the primary breadwinner for his family of five. For over two years, a sharp, burning pain radiated from his lower back down his right leg, a constant companion that made standing for long periods or even driving to work agonizing. He had tried physical therapy and pain medication, but the sciatica persisted, threatening his ability to provide. His neurosurgeon, Dr. Sharma, recommended a Transforaminal Epidural Block, explaining it as a targeted anti-inflammatory injection to calm the irritated nerve root at its exit point in his spine, potentially providing lasting relief. The procedure itself was quick, performed with local anesthesia and X-ray guidance. Arjun felt pressure but no sharp pain. In the days that followed, the fiery nerve pain down his leg subsided dramatically. While some background ache remained, he could finally stand and walk without wincing. Emotionally, Arjun moved from a state of quiet desperation and fear of losing his livelihood to one of profound relief and renewed hope. He felt he had been given a chance to reclaim his role as a provider and active father.
Neurosurgeons for Transforaminal Epidural Block
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform transforaminal epidural block and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 22 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada