Stellate Ganglion Block

The stellate ganglion is part of the sympathetic nervous system in the lower neck and influences blood flow and nerve activity to the head, neck and upper limb. A stellate ganglion block may be considered for selected patients with sympathetically mediated pain, including some cases of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) affecting the arm or hand.

Under ultrasound or X-ray guidance, a fine needle is placed adjacent to the stellate ganglion and a small amount of local anaesthetic is injected. The procedure is performed with careful attention to the nearby airway, blood vessels, nerves and other important structures. The block temporarily reduces sympathetic nerve activity on the treated side.

A successful block may reduce pain and can sometimes improve changes in temperature, colour or sweating in the affected limb. Temporary effects such as a change in the voice, a drooping eyelid or a feeling of throat fullness can occur because nearby sympathetic structures are affected; these effects generally resolve as the local anaesthetic wears off. Dr Danesh will discuss whether the procedure is appropriate and what to expect afterwards.