Stellate Ganglion Block
What is the Stellate Ganglion?
The stellate ganglion is a collection of autonomous nerves found at the level of the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae (the last vertebra of the neck). The nerves are located in front of the vertebrae. They are part of the sympathetic nervous system and supply the face and arm.
Who would benefit from stellate ganglion block and radiofrequency neurotomy?
Patients suffering with conditions like complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS), hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of the upper limbs), refractory chest pain, phantom limb pain (painful sensations that seem to be coming from the part of the limb that is no longer there), herpes zoster, pain of the head and neck and conditions with reduced blood flow to the upper limbs like Raynaud syndrome, scleroderma, vascular diseases, vasospasm, trauma, and emboli.
What is Stellate Ganglion Block and radiofrequency neurotomy? How is it done?
A small volume of local anesthetic and a steroid are deposited on the stellate ganglion under X-ray or ultrasound guidance. This gives short-term pain relief in most patients and can be repeated at regular intervals and once it is confirmed that a patient is getting short-term pain relief with stellate ganglion block, the nerve bundle can be treated with pulsed radiofrequency using special radiofrequency needles to attain long-term (1-2 years) pain relief. Please read our FAQ section to know more about the day of the procedure.
What are the complications of Stellate Ganglion Block?
As we do image-guided injections, the complications are minimal. They include hoarseness of voice and drooping of eyelid, which are temporary.