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STELLATE
GANGLION BLOCKS
The
stellate ganglion is an area in the neck where a group of nerves come
together to supply
the scalp, face, neck, shoulder, arm, and hand. The
purpose of blocking this group of nerves
is to decrease pain and
increase circulation. The block is performed in a monitored setting
such
as a surgery center or hospital. Lynne Carr Columbus, D.O. will inject a local
anesthetic
into the side of the neck while you are lying down. When
circulation is increased, more
oxygen and nourishment are brought to the
area. The duration of pain relief from the local
anesthetic can vary
from 1-3 hours to several days. If your pain is relieved by this
procedure,
a series of blocks will be performed in an attempt to break
the pain cycle and provide long
lasting pain relief.
Potential Side Effects
There
are several side effects that may occur following a stellate ganglion
block. These are
secondary to the local anesthetic's effects on the
surrounding nerves and are temporary in
nature. Some of these side
effects include:
-
A
droopy eyelid on the side of the block
-
Potentially
the eyeball may appear reddened and you may have
blurred vision
-
A
feeling like a lump in your throat
-
Difficulty
swallowing
-
Extremity
weakness on the side of the block (The extremity may feel very warm
compared to the unblocked extremity.)
Because
of these temporary side effects, it is important that you bring a driver
on the day of
your block. You will be given very specific discharge
instructions. You must continue physical
therapy as ordered by Lynne Carr Columbus, D.O. Physical therapy after an injection will
allow increased
movement of your arm with decreased pain. The next day you may resume
normal daily activities as tolerated.
Get real answers at
Gulf Coast Pain Management.
If you have any questions whatsoever regarding this procedure,
please do not hesitate to ask Lynne Carr Columbus, D.O.
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