Stellate Ganglion Block

What is it?

A block that is performed under fluoroscopy to determine if there is damage to the sympathetic nerve chain and if it is the source of the patient?s arm pain. This is primarily a diagnostic block but it may provide pain relief in excess of the duration of the anesthetic.

How is it done?


How long does it last?

It takes less than thirty minutes for the procedure followed by evaluation and recovery for several hours.

Expected Results

The patient may note increased warmth and redness of the painful arm during and after the injection. The patient can expect hoarseness of their voice, redness of the eye, drooping of the eyelid and pupillary constriction for four to eight hours after the injection. Pain relief may be noted immediately. Duration of relief is variable. The patient must assess their pain relief over the first three to four hours after the injection and report this to the anesthesiologist.