❝ Pain is inevitable, Suffering is Optional...❞
Stellate Ganglion ( Cervical Sympathetic) Block
This Procedure is an excellent non surgical treatment option for patients with intractable pain in upper limb and face. Stellate Ganglion Blocks are injections performed under X-Ray, or sonography guidance to anesthetize the stellate ganglion, a collection of sympathetic nerve fibers that come together at the base of the neck .
How is Stellate Ganglion Blocks performed?
This procedure is performed in a well equipped procedure room with monitoring and resuscitation facilities, under local anaesthesia and image guidance like X-ray or Ultrasonography for accuracy.
Ultrasonography Guided Stellate Ganglion Blocks
Needle is placed surrounding the bundle of nerves located in front of vertebral transeverse process. Here drugs used are Local anaesthetics like Bupivacaine or lignocaine. The entire procedure takes about 20 to 40 minutes. Patient start feeling pain relief very shortly after the procedure. This may reduce swelling and may improve mobility. After observation period patient is free to go home.
What are the Benefits of Stellate Ganglion Blocks ?
This is a safe, well tolerated procedure. There are very few side effects. The injection can help relieve pain in head, neck, upper arm and upper chest. It also can help increase circulation and blood flow to your arm.
How long the relief last after Stellate Ganglion Blocks ?
Some people report pain relief immediately after the injection, but the pain may return a few hours later as the local anesthetic wears off. Other people have longer-term relief that helps them to reduce their medication use and increase their participation in physical therapy. Occasionally, people need a series of injections to continue the pain relief. Sometimes, it takes only two injections; sometimes, it takes more than 10. The relief tends to last longer with each treatment.
What are the risks and side effects of Stellate Ganglion Blocks ?
Generally this procedure is safe, however with any procedure there are risks, side effects or possible complications. The risks, although infrequent, include: allergic reaction to the medications, nerve damage, bruising at the injection site, infection at the site, injection of medication into a blood vessel.
Which Patients are benefited by - Stellate Ganglion Blocks ?
Patients with severe pain involving the upper extremities, or head and face, due to Sympathetic Maintained Pain, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Herpes Zoster (shingles) pain, and peripheral artery disease , impending gangrene or malignancy.
