STELLATE GANGLION BLOCK

This injection can both diagnose and treat pain coming from the sympathetic nerves. It is a common treatment for shingles and complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS) (RSD) affecting the head, face, neck or arms. Usually a series of these injections is needed to treat the problem.

IV Inserted

Patients lie on their back on a table equipped with a flouroscopic unit, and an intravenous line is started to administer medication that relaxes the patient. A local anesthetic numbs the skin and all the tissue down to the ganglion nerves.

Contrast Dye Injected

The physician slides a needle through the anesthetized track. A contrast dye is injected so the physician can us an x ray to see the painful areas and to confirm the correct location of the needle tip.

Medicine Injected

Next, an anesthetic is injected around the ganglion nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain.

End of Procedure

Common side effects include nasal congestion and a bloodshot droopy eye on the side that has been injected, as well as a hoarse voice and a warm tingling sensation in the arm and hand. These are good signals that the injection is  working and they will disappear after a few hours. If the first injection alleviates the pain, more will follow over time. Pain relief usually lasts longer after each injection.