Gulf Coast Pain Management
Pain and Procedure Info
 

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. / Hee (Dennis) S. Lee, M.D. 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.