Stellate Ganglion Block
A stellate ganglion block in a type of sympathetic nerve block. The stellate ganglion is a bundle of nerves that are often involved in head, neck, arm or chest pain
What is a stellate ganglion block?A stellate ganglion block (SGB) is an injection of anesthetic medication into a collection of nerves called the stellate ganglion. These nerves are located in your neck, on both sides of your voice box. The injection can help relieve pain in your head, neck, upper arm and upper chest. It also can help increase circulation and blood flow to your arm.
What are stellate ganglion blocks used for?
Healthcare providers use stellate ganglion blocks to diagnose sympathetically mediated pain (SMP). This is a chronic neuropathic pain condition that happens when your sympathetic nervous system sends pain signals to your brain for unknown reasons.
What happens during a stellate ganglion block injection?
In general, you can expect the following during a stellate ganglion block injection:
A provider may give you IV medication to help you relax.
You’ll lie on your back on a procedure table in your provider’s office, and a provider will clean and disinfect your neck.
They’ll use a thin needle to inject a local anesthetic into your neck near your voice box.
With ultrasound or fluoroscopic imaging guidance, your provider will insert a second needle and carefully inject an anesthetic medication.
Usually, the procedure takes less than 30 minutes.
What happens after a stellate ganglion block?
After the procedure, you’ll stay in a recovery room where a healthcare professional will carefully monitor you for any complications — usually for about 40 to 60 minutes. Your provider will give you instructions for care at home. You’ll need someone else to drive you home.
How long does a stellate ganglion nerve block last?
How long the pain relief lasts is different for each person. Some may be pain-free for days or weeks. Usually, 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.