What’s a Stellate Ganglion Block?

What’s a Stellate Ganglion Block?

A Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is a medical procedure that involves injecting a local anesthetic medication into the stellate ganglion, a group of nerves located in the neck. The procedure is usually performed to diagnose and treat pain conditions in the head, neck, and upper extremities, as well as conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

During an SGB, a small needle is inserted into the patient’s neck, and a numbing medication, such as lidocaine, is injected around the stellate ganglion nerves. The injection typically takes only a few minutes to perform, and the patient is usually awake and alert throughout the procedure.

The anesthetic medication blocks the pain signals transmitted by the stellate ganglion nerves, thereby providing temporary relief from pain symptoms. The duration of pain relief varies from person to person, but it usually lasts for several hours to several weeks.

SGB has been found to be effective in treating a variety of pain conditions, including chronic neck pain, chronic headache, neuropathic pain, and phantom limb pain. In addition to its pain-relieving effects, SGB has also been shown to have other benefits, such as reducing anxiety and improving mood in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Call and set an appointment to see Dr. Rany Abdallah to learn more about SGB and other procedures that can help you get out of pain. Phone 855-932-7426.