What is Neurolysis?
Neurolysis is a medical procedure used to relieve chronic pain by intentionally disrupting the function of a nerve. This can be done chemically (using alcohol, phenol, or glycerol injections), physically (with heat from radiofrequency ablation or cold from cryoablation), or surgically (removing scar tissue or part of a nerve). By interrupting the nerve’s ability to send pain signals to the brain, neurolysis can provide significant relief for patients with severe or persistent pain.
Diagnosis
Before recommending neurolysis, healthcare providers perform a thorough evaluation, which may include:
Medical history and physical exam to identify the source of pain
Imaging studies (MRI, CT, or ultrasound) to locate the affected nerve or plexus
Diagnostic nerve block using a temporary anesthetic injection to confirm that the targeted nerve is responsible for the pain
Neurological assessment to rule out other causes of symptoms