

Interventional Pain Treatment

Stellate Ganglion Permanent Block

What is a stellate ganglion permanent block?

A ganglion is a bundle of interconnected nerves that are important for pain in a certain area of the body. One such ganglion is known as the stellate ganglion and it is important in the treatment of some types of pain, for example in the neck, the shoulder, the jaw and the arm. Blocking this ganglion can help to relieve the pain. The stellate ganglion in found in the neck next to the seventh cervical vertebra and can easily be reached with a needle. In a permanent stellate ganglion block small electrical currents are administered through a needle resulting in heating of the ganglion. Only the small nerves of the stellate ganglion are blocked resulting in a block of the pain signals. Since the thick nerves are spared the function of the stellate ganglion remains normal.



What should I be aware of before undergoing a stellate ganglion permanent block?

Any of the following situations should be reported to your pain specialist if he proposes a stellate ganglion permanent block:

  • If you are pregnant: since X-ray equipment is used, pregnant women may not undergo a permanent stellate ganglion block and a new appointment has to be made.
  • If you are ill or have a fever on the day of treatment you cannot undergo a permanent stellate ganglion block, in which case a new appointment will have to be made.

How should I prepare for get a stellate ganglion test permanent block?

  • You may eat before treatment and take your normal medication.

How does a stellate ganglion permanent block work?

  • A drip will be placed in your hand.
  • The pain specialist covers the area with sterile drapes.
  • Then small electrical currents are administrated near the stellate ganglion.
  • You will feel a tingling sensation.
  • If the needle is in the right place the permanent stellate ganglion block is performed.
  • The pain specialist will administrate a radiofrequency (RF) electrical current via the needle to block the stellate ganglion.
  • Nowadays instead of a radiofrequency (RF) electrical current also a pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) electrical current can be used to block the stellate ganglion.
  • Less heat of the small currents does not lead to interruption of the stellate ganglion but results more in modulation of the ganglion to decrease the pain.

What are dangers and side effects of stellate ganglion permanent block?

After a permanent stellate ganglion test block, the following complications or side effects can occur:


When can I expect pain relief after the treatment?

  • After pains can occur following a permanent stellate ganglion block. This may last a week but will eventually disappear.


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