To view a color brochure of the instructions for this procedure, click here.

The Pain Management team has suggested a stellate ganglion block for the treatment of your pain. Usually it utilized for the treatment of complex regional sympathetic dystrophy. This procedure will be completed in the treatment room with both the physician and nurse present.

The blocks are usually performed in a series of six. You will be asked to receive physical therapy to the affected extremity after each individual treatment.

This procedure will be completed at the Pain Treatment Center under flouro (low-dose X-ray) guidance. This will allow the physician to visualize the precise areas. The radiological technologist, nurse, and physician will be present during the entire procedure.

An intravenous will be placed in your arm on the opposite side of the affected side. The nurse will assist you to lie on your back with your neck hyper extended (chin tilted up). Your pulse will be monitored throughout the procedure and your blood pressure will be taken prior to and just after the procedure. The procedure will last approximately 5 minutes. Fluoroscopy (low-dose x-ray) may be used for this procedure for precise placement of the needle

As the physician locates the desired area he will ask you to swallow a few times. After the needle is placed we will ask you to indicate your sensations by blinking your eyes. A local anesthetic will be instilled. Expected  effects are hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, the sensation of a lump in the throat, drooping eyelid all these and are features of the block and are mild and transient lasting up to several hours.

Although rare, complications or side effects of this procedure are  bruising, hematoma , intravascular injection and feeling faint. If this occurs we have staff
trained  to handle the sitution safely.