This procedure is performed with the patient in the supine position with the head minimally adjusted away from the side of the procedure. Patients are properly monitored throughout the procedure. After the skin is properly cleaned with an antiseptic solution, the skin is anesthetized with a typical numbing agent such as lidocaine. Then, under image-guidance, a small needle is directed towards the targeted nerve bundle where the appropriate medications are injected. This injection should not be painful. The patient is then taken to one of our recovery suites for observation. It is normal and actually expected that the patient will experience some unavoidable short-term consequences with this procedure, such as a droopy eyelid, asymmetric pupils, a stuffy nose or a scratchy voice. These effects will not usually last more than an hour at most and are usually quite mild. There are no long-term consequences from this. This is very temporary and expected with this procedure.
About the treatment
A stellate ganglion block is a minimally invasive, image-guided injection targeting the nerves of the sympathetic nervous system that innervate the upper extremities, neck and head. This procedure is indicated to help a wide array of pain and medical conditions, including Herpes Zoster (shingles) and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), previously known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy or Sympathetic Maintained Pain. Although not yet recognized formally by insurance companies, a stellate ganglion block has been well documented as also being helpful in treating Parosmia and Anosmia, PTSD and refractory angina pectoris.
After the treatment
In the recovery suite, patients will be monitored for changes in vital signs and changes in pain after the procedure. If the nerve block alleviates the targeted pain and remains in effect beyond the duration of the anesthetic, it may be determined to have therapeutic value and subsequent injections may be recommended. Further recommendations will be made by your Desert Pain Specialists provider pending results from the procedure. Multiple injections may be required for optimal results.