STELLATE GANGLION BLOCK JUPITER
Dr. Edwin Maldonado uses an injection called a stellate ganglion block Jupiter (SGB) for diagnostic and therapeutic reasons. The procedure is used to diagnose and/or treat pain in the arm, chest, head, or neck caused by intractable angina; herpes zoster or shingles; nerve injury; Raynaud’s; CREST; and reflex sympathetic dystrophy. The injection is administered in the neck or throat area.
When a stellate ganglion block results in pain relief that doesn’t wear off after the effects of the local anesthetic has expired, the treatment has been a success. There are usually repeated injections, to provide
long-lasting results. The timing of subsequent injections is determined by how long the patient experiences pain relief.
NOTE: This procedure must not be performed on individuals who are on blood thinners or have very high blood pressure or a fever, the flu, or a cold. Make your physician aware, if you have any of these conditions.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU GET A STELLATE GANGLION BLOCK (SGB)
Before receiving a stellate ganglion block (SGB), you will sign a consent form, we will start an intravenous, and your blood pressure will be checked. Temperature sensing probes are placed on your hands. The typical position for the patient during this procedure is lying down on your back. Antiseptic soap will be used to clean the treatment area.
Dr. Maldonado will identify the proper injection site by pressing on your neck. You will be asked to avoid swallowing, coughing, or talking. The local anesthetic will then be administered via injection, which takes up to 10 minutes. You will be instructed to remain in your reclining position if your head is where you usually hurt. If pain is typically in your arm, you will shift to a sitting position, which allows the medication to move downward.
It can take up to 20 minutes for the injection to take full effect. You will be monitored throughout that period, to determine whether or not the treatment is providing pain relief.
Contact the clinic of Edwin W. Maldonado, MD at one of his four convenient locations: Jupiter, Wellington, Delray Beach, or Margate Florida.