Cervical Sympathetic Block/Stellate Ganglion Block

A block for pain caused by nerve dysfunction

The stellate ganglion is a group of nerves in the neck area. A stellate ganglion block is an injection of a local anesthetic (pain-relieving medication) around this group of nerves to relieve pain on side of the head or neck, the upper arm, or the upper part of the chest.

Blocks of the stellate ganglion are indicated for the following conditions:

  • Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
  • Causalgia
  • Herpes zoster
  • Phantom limb pain

The actual injection takes only a few minutes. It involves inserting a needle through the skin and deeper tissues. Most patients receive intravenous sedation and pain medication to make the procedure easy to tolerate. After the injection, you may feel warmth in the arm, some hoarseness of the voice, a droopy eyelid, a larger pupil, or nasal congestion.

Go to the next page on discograms.

Go to the next chapter on major procedures.

 

Go to the chapter on medicines.

Northern California Neurosurgery Medical Group, Inc.
A spine care and injury practice with offices in Fremont, California

The information in this site briefly describes our practice and discusses some of the options available to our patients. This web site is not a substitute for good medical care or for a consultation with a spine specialist. It should not be used to plan your treatment. If you need medical help, you can schedule a visit with our doctors by clicking here. The well considered advice of a specialist who has personally examined you is always superior to even the best internet pages.

Copyright © 2007, Northern California Neurosurgery Medical Group. All rights are reserved.  No part of this web site may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored, electronically or on paper, without the written permission of the Northern California Neurosurgery Medical Group, Inc.
Last modified: 01/01/08