Nerve blocks versus subcutaneous infiltration for stereotactic frame placement

Abstract

In this unblinded, randomized controlled trial, we compared supraorbital and greater occipital nerve blocks with subcutaneous infiltration for anesthesia during the placement of a stereotactic head-frame. Twenty consecutive patients scheduled for functional surgery to treat Parkinson's disease were studied. Each patient received supraorbital and greater occipital nerve blocks on one side of the head and subcutaneous infiltration on the other, thereby acting as their own control. Pain was assessed by visual analog scale pain scores (scale: 0-100) for both local anesthetic injection and stereotactic pin placement. Supplementary subcutaneous infiltration was also recorded. Results are presented..