A nerve block numbs the part of the body where the surgeon operates.This is often used for surgery on the hand,arm,hip or knee and for Caesarian sections.Examples include spinal and epidural anaesthesia,arm blocks and eye blocks.Local anaesthetic is injected near the major nerve pathways to the part of the body where the operation is.You can be wide awake or if you prefer the anaesthetist can give you other drugs to make you relaxed and drowsy.