Stellate Ganglion Block
This is a type of sympathetic nerve block performed to determine if there is damage to the sympathetic nerve chain supplying the head, neck, chest, or arms and find the source of pain in those areas. Although used mainly as a diagnostic block, the stellate ganglion block may provide pain relief in excess of the duration of the anesthetic.
The sympathetic nerves run on the front surface of the spinal column (not in the spinal canal with the nerves from the central nervous system). The sympathetic nerves are part of the autonomic nervous system which controls basic functions. In other words, the autonomic nervous system is responsible for controlling things people do not have to think about or have direct control concerning their function. However, there is a connection between the central and autonomic nervous systems. Sometimes arm or leg pain is caused by a malfunction of the autonomic system secondary to an injury.
What is a sympathetic nerve block and why is it helpful?
A sympathetic nerve block involves injecting medicine around the sympathetic nerves in a lumbar (back) or cervical (neck) area. By doing this, the system is temporarily blocked in hopes of reducing or eliminating pain. If the initial block is successful, then additional blocks are generally repeated until the pain diminishes.
What happens during the procedure?
An IV will be started before the procedure. The patient is placed on the procedure table on their back for a stellate ganglion (neck) block and on their stomach for a lumbar (low back) block. The skin on the neck or the skin on the low back is scrubbed using antibacterial soap. The physician numbs a small area of skin with numbing medicine. This medicine stings for several seconds. After the numbing medicine has been given time to be effective, the physician directs a very small needle to the area of the sympathetic nerves using x-ray guidance. A small amount of contrast (dye) is injected to insure proper needle position. Then, local anesthetic is administered to achieve the sympathetic block.
What happens after the procedure?
Immediately after the procedure, the patient will be examined and will be asked to report the percentage of pain relief. The arm(s), chest wall or leg(s) may feel weak or numb for a few hours. It is a temporary response to the local anesthetic used for the block and will wear off. Other potential reactions to the blocks will be discussed at the time of the procedure. Patients may return to their normal activities on the day of the procedure. Driving is discouraged on the day of the procedure.