What Is a Stellate Ganglion Block?
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The autonomic nervous system controls many functions that occur automatically throughout the body, including blood vessel tone, sweating, heart rate, and certain aspects of the body's response to stress and pain.
The stellate ganglion is a collection of sympathetic nerves located in the neck.
A stellate ganglion block is an image guided injection performed near this group of nerves to temporarily reduce sympathetic nerve activity.
Why Is a Stellate Ganglion Block Performed?
Stellate ganglion blocks have traditionally been used in the evaluation and treatment of certain pain conditions involving the sympathetic nervous system.
They may be considered for conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome and other forms of sympathetically mediated pain affecting the upper extremity.
Whether a stellate ganglion block is appropriate depends on the patient's diagnosis, symptoms, and medical history.
What Happens During the Procedure?
The procedure is performed with careful imaging guidance because the stellate ganglion is located near several important structures in the neck.
A needle is positioned near the targeted sympathetic nerves and medication is administered.
Patients are monitored during and after the procedure.
What Might a Patient Notice Afterward?
Because the sympathetic nerves also influence blood vessels, the eye, and other structures on the treated side, temporary changes can occur following a successful block.
The physician reviews expected effects, precautions, and potential risks with the patient before the procedure.
Is One Block Always Enough?
Not necessarily.
Response varies depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient.
In some cases, the response to an initial block can also provide useful diagnostic information about whether sympathetic nerve activity is contributing to the patient's symptoms.
At Ospina Medical, stellate ganglion blocks are considered within the context of a broader evaluation and individualized treatment plan rather than as a treatment for every type of chronic pain.