Stellate Ganglion Block
Stellate block involves injecting a local anesthetic (numbing medication) to block the sympathetic nerves located on either side of the larynx in the neck. An injection to these nerves can relieve symptoms such as pain, swelling, discoloration and sweating in the upper extremities and improve mobility.
This injection is usually ordered by a doctor for pain in the head, neck, chest, or arm caused by sympathetic pain (reflex sympathetic dystrophy), causalgia (nerve injury), herpes zoster (shingles), or persistent angina (pain associated with decreased blood flow to the heart). Stellate ganglion blocks are also used to see if blood flow can be improved in patients with circulatory problems due to vascular disease.
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Stellate Ganglion Block
Stellate block involves injecting a local anesthetic (numbing medication) to block the sympathetic nerves located on either side of the larynx in the neck. An injection to these nerves can relieve symptoms such as pain, swelling, discoloration and sweating in the upper extremities and improve mobility.
This injection is usually ordered by a doctor for pain in the head, neck, chest, or arm caused by sympathetic pain (reflex sympathetic dystrophy), causalgia (nerve injury), herpes zoster (shingles), or persistent angina (pain associated with decreased blood flow to the heart). Stellate ganglion blocks are also used to see if blood flow can be improved in patients with circulatory problems due to vascular disease.
Stellate ganglion blocks may be used therapeutically (to relieve pain) and/or diagnostically (to determine the cause of pain).
A stellate block is used to diagnose or treat circulatory problems or nerve injuries, including:
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
- Causalgia
- Complex regional pain syndrome type I or II
- Herpes zoster infection (or “shingles”) affecting the head, neck, arm, or upper chest
- Phantom limb pain
At Greater Houston and Greater Victoria Interventional Pain Management we provide stellate ganglion block in order to diagnose or relieve pain.
How effective is a stellate ganglion block?
Some patients report pain relief immediately after injection, but pain may recur several hours later as the local anesthetic wears off. Other patients experience longer-term relief that outlasts the duration of the local anesthetic, helping them reduce their medication use and increase their participation in physical therapy.
How long pain relief lasts is different for each patient. Some are pain-free for days or weeks. Usually, a series of injections is needed to maintain pain relief. Sometimes two injections are enough, sometimes more than 10 are needed. Usually, relief lasts longer with each treatment.
Stellate ganglion blocks may be appropriate for you if you suffer from nerve pain in the head, neck, upper arm or upper chest area that does not respond to other treatments.
At Greater Houston and Greater Victoria Interventional Pain Management our doctors are prepared to diagnose and treat your symptoms with stellate ganglion blocks. Book an appointment at the nearest clinic and receive the best care in Greater Houston and Greater Victoria.
Pain we
manage
Nerve pain
Nerve pain occurs when a health condition affects the nerves that carry sensation to the brain.
Foot pain
Foot pain can vary for each patient as the best course of action depends on the cause of the pain.
Knee pain
The location and severity of knee pain may vary, depending on the cause of the problem.
Back pain
Back pain often develops without a cause that your doctor can identify with a test or an imaging study.
Neck pain
The neck—or cervical spine—is a coordinated network of nerves, bones, joints, and muscles.
Hip pain
Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis are among the most common causes of hip pain in older adults.
Head pain
By definition, chronic daily headaches occur 15 days or more a month, for longer than three months.
Elbow pain
Elbow pain is often caused by overuse. Many sports, hobbies and jobs require repetitive hand, wrist or arm movements.
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