What To Expect: Stellate Ganglion Block
Updated: 6 days ago
Samuel G Oltman, ND, RMSK
The Stellate Ganglion Block is a simple, in-office procedure that resets the fight-or-flight response in people suffering from PTSD, post-concussion symptoms, long COVID, and many other conditions. There is strong evidence suggesting long term resolution of symptoms with only 1-3 treatments. Read more about the medical details in this article.
What can you expect during a Stellate Ganglion Block procedure?
After a thorough intake, we take your vitals, get you set up and positioned comfortably on the table, and place an IV in your arm. Dr. Oltman then images the area on the neck with the ultrasound. The actual procedure is quite short, about 90 seconds on average, only 2 small "pokes" on one side of the neck and very little pain. You are then monitored while you rest for 15-20 minutes before wrapping up and leaving.
What drugs are going in my body?
None. The only substance going in your body is anesthetic (ropivacaine). It is cleared from your system by the next day but the benefit of the procedure lasts for weeks or months due to the "reset" of the nerves.
Is the Stellate Ganglion Block procedure safe?
It is very safe. Documented safety data points to a less than 0.1% rate of serious complications (1). Safety is increased immensely with ultrasound guidance which Dr. Oltman is an expert in. Dr. Oltman visualizes the needle for the entirety of the procedure and eliminates the biggest hazard: the needle going somewhere where it shouldn't.
What does it feel like afterwards?
You get a set of side effects called the "Horner syndrome" that are confirmatory signs that the block was done correctly. These symptoms include (on the side that the block was done on):
Droopy eye
Blood shot eye
Constricted pupil
Flushed/warm on the face
You need a ride home after the procedure, you cannot safely operate a car afterwards.
Other symptoms related to the anesthetic in the neck:
Lump in the throat
Difficulty swallowing
Hoarse voice
Most people will feel drowsy or tired for the remainder of the day and it is recommended that you rest and have low stimulation for the day of the procedure and the day after.
All of the symptoms above will be completely gone the following day.
Do you block both sides?
Not in the same day. It is dangerous to do both sides in the same day. But subsequent blocks are generally done alternating sides depending on your response.
How long before I feel better?
The benefits of the block generally are felt within just a day or two. Improvements accrue over the following 1-2 weeks and usually sustain for many weeks or months. A second block is often needed to further the benefits.
Overall, the Stellate Ganglion Block is a simple, safe, painless, minimally invasive procedure that can be completely transformative to individuals suffering with symptoms of sympathetic overdrive. Contact us today to see if you're a good candidate!
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