Is It Safe To Have Cryoablation For Nerve Damage?

Posted on Tue, 21 Jul 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 Answered on

Tue, 11 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Have you ever heard of a treatment call Cryoablation? If so, would you recommend it to treat a svered Ociptial nevere which happened durning a Radio frequency procedure. What are the risks?

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cryoablation (CA) can be used successfully.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,

I understand your query and concern.

Cryoablation involves freezing a nerve in view of interrupting the nerve’s ability to send pain signals to the brain and provide pain relief.

Yes it can be used to relieve pain due to severed occipital nerve.

Pain relief from this procedure can last from six to twelve months or longer. This is because the nerve damage from the Cryoablation is typically only temporary.

These nerves will repair themselves, and the time frame for this repair varies, as every individual patient is unique in their healing process.

Relatively safe and minimally invasive procedures due to use of only needles however discomfort may be there for 1-2 weeks.

Post your further queries if any,

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar