What is a Stellate Ganglion Block

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 09:41:14 +0000

A collection of sympathetic nerves at the front of the last two cervical vertebrae in the neck is referred to as the “stellate ganglion.” The stellate ganglion supplies the arms and face, as part of the sympathetic nervous system. Sympathetic nerves are not involved with movement or feeling. If the nerves become sensitized by infection, trauma, or other events, there could be pain from activity in the sympathetic nerves. A stellate ganglion block is a procedure used for either diagnostics or providing relief from pain.

WHAT IS A STELLATE GANGLION BLOCK?

A stellate ganglion block is a procedure in which local anesthetic is injected into the front of the neck. This procedure is sometimes done for the purpose of determining the cause of pain in the arms, chest, head, and face. A stellate ganglion block is done to provide relief and/or pain management for the following conditions:

Nerve injury
Raynaud’s
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy or complex regional pain syndrome
Pain in the chest, neck, arm, or head caused by intractable angina
Herpes zoster aka shingles
CREST
Excessive perspiration in the hands, arms, face, and head

WHAT TO EXPECT IN A STELLATE GANGLION BLOCK PROCEDURE

Before a stellate ganglion block is performed, you will need to sign a consent form. Your blood pressure will be checked, and an intravenous is started. Patients are usually but not always sedated when the procedure is performed. Probes that sense temperature are placed on your hands. You will lie on your back, and the treatment area will be cleansed using antiseptic soap. Using a fluoroscopy for x-ray guidance, the physician injects an anesthetic through a fine needle near the stellate ganglion, a process that can take up to 10 minutes. Pain relief may not be immediate; it may be up to 20 minutes before the full effect of the medication is felt. Temporary effects could include hoarseness, droopy or red eyes, or warmth in the face. If you have one of the conditions that may benefit form the treatment of a stellate ganglion block, contact the team of Edwin W. Maldonado at Certified Spine & Pain Care today.

What is a Lumbar Sympathetic Block

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 09:37:52 +0000

WHAT IT IS?

Dense networks of nerves referred to as “ganglions” are where your sympathetic nerves come together outside your spine area. Lumbar sympathetic nerve block procedures are done to treat pain for a wide range of conditions. Where along your spine an injection is made is determined by where you are experiencing pain. For example, if you are suffering from upper body pain, blocking the stellate ganglion in your neck area could provide needed relief. Many physicians specializing in treatments for pain believe that lumbar sympathetic blocks effectively help to manage chronic pain.

WHAT PAINFUL CONDITIONS CAN BE RELIEVED WITH A LUMBAR SYMPATHETIC BLOCK?

Due to associations with the nerves in the sympathetic nervous system, a lumbar sympathetic block is often used to diagnose or treat the following painful conditions:

Herpes zoster, also known as “shingles,” involving the legs
Raynaud’s syndrome
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD)
Pain caused by spasms in the blood vessels
Sympathetically maintained pain
Certain types of chronic stomach pain
Complex regional pain syndrome previously referred to as “reflex sympathetic dystrophy”
Excessive sweating
Neuropathy
Peripheral vascular disease

IS A LUMBAR SYMPATHETIC BLOCK A PAINFUL PROCEDURE?

Because a lumbar sympathetic block involves the insertion of a needle through the skin as well as deep tissues, some pain is involved. Your physician may, however, administer a local anesthetic using a very thin needle first, to numb the entire area where the block needle will be inserted. In order to make the procedure more tolerable, most patients also receive intravenous sedation.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER A LUMBAR SYMPATHETIC BLOCK PROCEDURE

Following your lumbar sympathetic block procedure, you should have a ride to take you home. Patients are advised to rest for a day or so afterwards, performing only activities that can be tolerated. Barring any complications, it is usually possible to return to work the next day.