What is a Stellate Ganglion Block?
A stellate ganglion block is a minimally invasive injection procedure that targets the stellate ganglion, a group of nerves located in the neck. By injecting a local anesthetic and/or anti-inflammatory medication around these nerves, a stellate ganglion block can provide relief for a variety of conditions, including chronic neck, shoulder, and upper extremity pain, as well as autonomic nervous system disorders.
How is a Stellate Ganglion Block Performed?
To perform a stellate ganglion block:
- 1. The patient lies on their back, and the skin and underlying tissues in the neck area are numbed with a local anesthetic.
- 2. The physician uses fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to precisely locate the stellate ganglion nerves.
- 3. A small needle is carefully inserted and advanced towards the target nerves. Contrast dye may be injected to confirm proper needle placement.
- 4. Once the needle is properly positioned, a mixture of local anesthetic and/or anti-inflammatory medication is injected around the stellate ganglion nerves.
- 5. The medication bathes the nerves, potentially numbing them and reducing inflammation.
- 6. After the injection is complete, the needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied to the injection site.
What Supplies and Medications are Used for a Stellate Ganglion Block?
The key components for a stellate ganglion block include:
- – Local anesthetic (e.g. lidocaine, bupivacaine) to numb the injection site
- – Anti-inflammatory medication (e.g. corticosteroids) to reduce inflammation
- – Fluoroscopic imaging equipment to guide precise needle placement
- – Contrast dye (optional) to confirm proper needle position
The physician selects the appropriate medications and techniques based on the patient’s individual condition and needs.
What to Expect After a Stellate Ganglion Block?
After the procedure, the patient may experience some temporary effects, such as a warm, tingling sensation in the arm on the side of the injection, hoarseness of voice, nasal congestion, flushed face, and a droopy eyelid. These effects are normal and usually subside within a few hours.
Patients are monitored for a brief time after the injection before being discharged home. They should follow any activity restrictions and instructions provided by their healthcare team. Patients should promptly report any concerning symptoms, such as increased pain, swelling, or signs of infection, to their physician.
The pain relief and other benefits provided by a stellate ganglion block may last for several weeks or months, though the duration can vary from patient to patient. Some patients may require a series of injections to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.