A diagnostic block injection is one of many tools that can be useful in the development of a diagnosis related to a whole host of medical and dental situations. In some instances it is not used, as the diagnosis is established by employing other more specific, rapidly reversible and reliable modalities that do not hinder the practitioner’s ability to continue on and immediately apply other testing techniques, should the diagnostic block’s results prove to be inconclusive.
The persistent numbness from a diagnostic block may result in a significant delay in interpreting other tests and in gathering additional information, even if a local anesthetic without the prolonging effects of adrenalin is administered. This is particularly true in a case such as the one described in our article, in which the problem was atypical pain of unknown origin.
As for the appropriateness of referrals made by the general practitioner, it is incumbent upon both generalists and specialists to remember that we must all be team players. When unusual situations present, it is imperative that we have the humility to seek consultation in whatever field we feel necessary, as our primary responsibility is not to our egos or to our specialties, but to our patients.
Because unusual situations are not all that unusual, and because most of us eventually will learn that we cannot be masters of all trades, we should never hesitate to ask a colleague to look over our shoulder. I suspect the patient in the case presented didn’t mind the consultation either.
