Why did your doctor perform this procedure?
A stellate ganglion block is performed to help diagnose and treat pain from reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) in the face or arm.  It is done to block the sympathetic nerves which go to the face or arm on that side.  Most pain specialists believe the sympathetic nerve over-activity causes the pain associated with RSD, also called sympathetically-maintained pain or complex regional pain syndrome.  This block may also be performed to improve blood flow into the arm.

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How is the procedure performed?
We will start an intravenous line (IV) to give you medication to relax you during the procedure.  It is performed by placing a small needle at the base of the neck at the level of the “Adam’s apple” on either side depending on the side on which you have pain.  We will inject a local anesthetic solution around the sympathetic nerves at the level of the 6th cervical vertebra in the base of your neck.

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What can you expect after the procedure?
After the procedure is performed, you may or may not notice improved pain relief.  Blocking these nerves will temporarily cause a hoarse voice and, on the side of the block, a dryer (decreased sweating) and warmer (increased blood flow) face and arm, a stuffier nose, a smaller pupil and a droopy eyelid.  You may have some temporary numbness and weakness in the arm on the same side.  These effects last as long as the local anesthetic works to block the nerves, typically a few hours.  The effects on sympathetic nerve over-activity may last much longer, hopefully days to weeks more and ideally may not come back as bad as it was before the block. 

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What if you have worrisome side effects or other concerns?
You may experience a small amount of pain, bleeding or swelling at the injection site.  It is best to apply ice compresses in the first 24 hours followed by heat after 24 hours in short durations, usually 20 minutes at a time.  Please continue your regular medications.  If you are experiencing other difficulties or side effects, please call our office at 742-7030 so that we may recommend further action.