nerve block
Regional anesthesia achieved by injecting a local anesthetic agent near a specific nerve or nerve plexus to interrupt sensory and/or motor transmission.
Full Definition
In dental anesthesiology, nerve blocks—such as the inferior alveolar nerve block, mental nerve block, and Gow-Gates block—are used alongside sedation to achieve surgical anesthesia of the oral cavity and surrounding structures. A nerve block reduces the total dose of systemic sedative agents required, contributing to an opioid-sparing approach. Editors must distinguish 'nerve block' (the general technique) from specific named blocks (e.g., inferior alveolar block) and from topical or infiltration anesthesia. The two-word form 'nerve block' is standard; 'nerveblock' (one word) is not accepted in medical style.
Usage
Usage note: Always written as two words. Distinguish from 'field block' (multiple injections encircling a region) and 'infiltration anesthesia' (direct tissue injection).
In Context
- "An inferior alveolar nerve block was administered prior to induction to reduce intraoperative opioid requirements." — Anesthesia record
- "The manuscript incorrectly closed 'nerve block' as one word; the editor restored the standard two-word form." — Proofreading annotation