1. 2005;8;411-416 Mechanisms of Neural Blockade
   A Focused Review
   Andreas Grabinsky, MD.

Background: Neural blockade remains a key diagnostic and treatment modality for interventional pain management. Most of the techniques used in chronic and acute pain management today evolved out of different techniques used by surgeons and anesthesiologists alike to facilitate surgical procedures and alleviate intra- and postoperative pain. Many of these techniques were developed and introduced into medical practice during the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries and were only recently challenged by increasing neurophysiologic understanding and modern imaging studies. A brief historical overview of the topic of neural blockade as well as current knowledge of mechanisms and clinical aspects of nerve blocks are considered. The review focuses on relevant aspects of anatomy, cell physiology, molecular mechanisms of effect, and clinical aspects of nerve blocks.

Keywords: Neural blockade, peripheral nerve blocks, neuro-axial nerve blocks, nerve impulse generation and conduction, regional anesthesia, pain management procedures.