Stellate Ganglion Blocks

Background

  • The stellate ganglion is a bundle of sympathetic nerves located in the anterior (front) region of the cervical (neck) spine.

  • Located on the front of the vertebrae on either side of your voice box, the stellate ganglion is responsible for pain transmission to areas in your head, neck, chest and arms.

  • This procedure may help with a condition known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome involving the upper extremities.

Procedure

  • Injection of local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion numbs the nerves and prevents them from sending pain signals for relief.

  • Sometimes in addition to local anesthetic a small amount of steroid (cortisone-like medication) is injected to provide longer lasting relief.

  • Procedure can be diagnostic and therapeutic.