During a surgery or a procedure on a  part of the body, such as a hand or foot, or for pain control for total joint  replacements, such as of the knee or of the hip, your medical care team may  use regional anesthesia.

There are a few types of regional anesthesia.

This video describes two types  of regional anesthesia used to block pain to an area of the body: peripheral nerve blocks and  intravenous (I.V.) regional anesthesia.

A peripheral nerve block is given as a shot  near a specific nerve or group of nerves.

It blocks pain in the part of the body—such as an arm or leg—that's supplied  by that nerve or nerve group.

Now I.V. regional anesthesia, sometimes called  a Bier block, may be used for smaller areas, such as the hand or wrist.

Let's first find out how a peripheral  nerve block is usually done.

You'll probably be awake while the  anesthesia specialist places the block.

This is so they can communicate  with you during the block procedure.

To see the area of the nerve or group of nerves, the anesthesia specialist will  usually use an ultrasound.

After finding the right spot, the anesthesia specialist uses a tiny needle  to numb the skin and the area beneath the skin.

Then the needle for the nerve  block is put into the numbed area.

The specialist injects numbing  medicine near the nerve or nerve group.

This causes the "block."

After getting the block, you'll likely get  medicines to help you relax and feel sleepy.

Most people are in a light sleep during  the surgery and don't remember much.

Depending on the procedure or  surgery though, you may stay awake.

But your anesthesia specialist  will make sure you are comfortable.

For I.V. regional anesthesia, the anesthesia specialist places a small tube into  a vein in the hand of the arm that will be numbed.

Then they tightly wrap the arm from the hand up to  above the area where the procedure will be done.

This pushes blood out of the  wrapped section back into the body.

A tight band is put around the  arm at the top of the wrap.

When the band is secure, the wrap is removed.

Most of the blood stays above the band.

Then the anesthesia specialist  injects numbing medicine into the I.V.

The medicine spreads below  the band throughout the arm.

Anesthetics can affect the central  nervous system, the cardiovascular system, and the respiratory system.

Anesthesia specialists will watch and care  for you to keep you safe and comfortable.

Now after the surgery or procedure,  here's what you can expect.

You may feel some of the effects  of regional anesthesia for a while.

It can take time for the numbing effects  of the medicine to completely wear off.

Before getting a peripheral nerve  block or I.V. regional anesthesia, your doctor will examine you to check  for anything that could affect your care.

They'll also discuss any risks and  how you may feel after the anesthesia.

Tell your anesthesia specialist about any health problems—such as sleep  apnea—and any past surgeries.

Also tell them if a family member  has had problems with anesthesia.

And tell the specialist about all the  medicines and natural health products you take.

Let them know if you're pregnant or if you smoke.

And if you do smoke, try to stop smoking  for at least 1 month before your procedure.

This might be a good time to try to quit for good.

And here's something else you can prepare for.

Your anesthesia specialist  may ask you a lot of questions.

They're not asking to judge  you or invade your privacy.

They are asking because  they want to keep you safe.

For example, if you use marijuana,  opioids, or other drugs, let them know.

They may need to adjust your  medicines to keep you safe.

They will keep your information confidential.

Now, if your surgery or procedure  involves staying at the hospital, remember to bring the things  that you need to help you sleep, such as a CPAP machine if you use one.

Thinking about getting  anesthesia may be stressful.

But knowing that your anesthesia specialist  and the rest of your medical care team are trained and focused on  helping you stay safe can help.

And if you have any questions or concerns, you  can always talk to your anesthesia specialist.