What is a Stellate Ganglion Block
Understand the cutting-edge treatment of a Stellate Ganglion Block
Often referred to as the "Swiss army knife" of regional blocks. It works by blocking neural transmissions, which in turn, alleviates your sympathetic nervous system from the unnecessary overproduction of symptoms. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is increasingly being used for treating various medical conditions such as:
PTSD
Depression & Anxiety
Trauma
Long Covid
Menopause
Pain Management
We are seeing dramatic results for those suffering from physiologic hyperarousal (fight or flight response), hypervigilance, feelings of perceived threat, and insomnia.
The Procedure
The SGB procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion, a cluster of nerves located in the neck, on either side of the voice box (larynx). The stellate ganglion is part of the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates various involuntary functions in the body.
The procedure is typically performed under X-ray guidance or ultrasound imaging to ensure accurate needle placement. The patient is usually given a local anesthetic to numb the injection site and may receive light sedation to help them relax during the procedure. For our SGB procedures, we utilize ultrasound imaging to ensure accuracy.
The local anesthetic injected during an SGB temporarily blocks the sympathetic nerve signals, interrupting the transmission of pain and altering blood flow patterns. The duration of relief varies among individuals. In some cases, multiple SGBs may be required to achieve long-term relief or manage the underlying condition effectively.
It's important to note that stellate ganglion blocks are medical procedures that should only be performed by trained healthcare professionals in an appropriate clinical setting. The decision to undergo an SGB should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider who can assess the individual's specific medical needs and determine the potential benefits and risks of the procedure. If you would like to schedule a consultation with our expert staff, please visit our contact page.
Visit our Stellate Ganglion Block page to learn more about this procedure.
