What to Expect During Your Stellate Ganglion Block
The stellate ganglion block is a minimally invasive technique used to relieve persistent pain in the upper arm, chest, neck, and head. When administered as part of a continuous procedure, it can significantly reduce pain and potentially provide long-term pain relief. This technique has various uses, mainly for chronic or complex pain. It can be used both therapeutically and as a diagnostic technique. Contact us for more information or schedule a consultation today. We are conveniently located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251.




Table of Contents:
What is a stellate ganglion block and how is it done?
What kind of doctor does stellate ganglion block?
How should I feel after a stellate ganglion block?
How long does it take for a stellate ganglion block to work?
Stellate Ganglion Block: Unlocking the Nerve Crossroads
Consider the cervical area to be a complicated center where numerous neuronal connections connect. The stellate ganglion, a critical structure that governs the spread of nerve impulses throughout the organism, lies at the heart of this complicated network.
A Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is a medical procedure that strategically targets this neural hub. It involves injecting a specialized solution directly into the stellate ganglion, effectively pausing the transmission of pain signals to your brain. This innovative technique offers relief from a wide range of conditions, including:
Precision at Every Step:
Preparation:
– You’ll comfortably recline on the exam table as the doctor prepares the injection site.
– Advanced imaging, such as ultrasound or X-ray, may assist in pinpointing the precise location of the stellate ganglion.
Local Anesthesia:
– To ensure minimal discomfort, a numbing agent is administered at the injection site.
Needle Insertion:
– Guided by precise measurements and guidance, a thin needle is carefully inserted into the neck, targeting the stellate ganglion.
Medication Delivery:
– The solution injected contains either a local anesthetic to block nerve signals or a combination of anesthetic and steroids to reduce inflammation and pain.
Recovery:
– After the injection, you’ll be monitored briefly to ensure your well-being.
– In most cases, you can return home the same day and gradually resume your daily activities.
Benefits of SGB:
SGB has proven effective in alleviating pain in the following areas:
Craniocervical: Migraines, cluster headaches
Upper Body: Shoulder and upper back pain
Extremities: Arm and hand pain
Other: PTSD, menopausal hot flashes
Duration and Suitability:
The duration of pain relief varies from several days to weeks, depending on individual factors and the underlying condition. SGB may not be suitable for everyone, so it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine its appropriateness for your specific situation.
Stellate Ganglion Block: Who’s at the Helm?
When experiencing a problem of persistent pain, who has the necessary knowledge and expertise to perform a stellate ganglion block with accuracy and care?
Meet the Pain Management Specialists and Anesthesiologists, the skilled guardians of pain relief. These medical specialists receive comprehensive education, enhancing their knowledge and strategies for dealing with pain head-on. During the stellate ganglion block, they become navigators of your neck’s nerve landscape, using a needle to deliver a pain-taming concoction. This highly targeted injection helps alleviate the agony, paving the way for a reprieve from pain’s relentless grip.
Navigating the After-Effects of a Stellate Ganglion Block: A Comprehensive Guide
A stellate ganglion block can cause a variety of sensory and physiological changes.
To help you navigate this post-procedure experience, here’s a detailed guide outlining what you might encounter:
Embracing Pain Relief: If effective, the procedure can produce a strong therapeutic impact, bringing alleviation to the affected area.
Warmth and Ruddy Glow: The development of warmth and erythema within the treated area indicates an increase in local circulation.
Tingling Symphony: Following the procedure, you may experience numbness or sensory loss on the corresponding hand, arm, neck, or face.
Weight and Weakness Interplay: Your arm or hand may feel like it’s carrying an extra burden or exhibiting a hint of weakness.
Vocal Transformation: Vocal alterations, characterized by a transitory hoarseness, may ensue as a temporary consequence of the intervention.
Horner’s Syndrome: A Mysterious Trio: Prepare to encounter a captivating trio: a drooping eyelid, a diminished pupil, and subtle facial changes, known collectively as Horner’s Syndrome.
Ocular Odyssey: Beyond Horner’s enchanting trio, your eyes may weave additional tales of change.
Dizzying Heights and Falls: Some may experience a brief foray into dizziness, a gentle reminder of the procedure’s delicate touch.
Sore Throat Serenade: The anesthetic employed during the procedure may induce post-procedural pharyngeal discomfort.
Symptomatic Symphony: If you’ve been battling excessive sweating or unconventional skin color changes, prepare for a harmonious resolution, as these symptoms may find respite.
Remember that these experiences are usually transient. If you have any strange experiences or concerns, do not hesitate to consult your trusted physician.
Experience Rapid Pain Relief with Stellate Ganglion Block: A Comprehensive Guide
Swift Onset of Action:
A stellate ganglion block is renowned for its remarkable speed in alleviating pain. Typically, patients begin to perceive a noticeable reduction in discomfort within 15 to 30 minutes after receiving the injection. This prompt response is attributed to the injection’s ability to swiftly interrupt the transmission of pain signals.
Gradual Optimization of Relief:
Although pain relief may be apparent within minutes, the full therapeutic benefits of a stellate ganglion block often require a few days to manifest fully. During this period, the injection continues to exert its pain-blocking effects, leading to an optimal reduction in pain intensity.
Sustained Pain Control:
Once the full benefits of the injection are realized, patients can typically experience pain relief for a duration of 6 to 12 hours. This sustained pain control provides significant relief from persistent pain, allowing individuals to engage in daily activities with greater comfort.
Exceptional Response Time:
In cases where pain relief is not immediate, it is crucial to remain patient. The injection may simply require more time to fully take effect. Should any concerns arise, do not hesitate to consult with your healthcare provider for expert guidance and reassurance. Contact us for more information or schedule a consultation today. We are conveniently located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251. We serve patients from San Antonio TX, Castroville TX, Balcones Heights TX, Fair Oaks TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Helotes TX, Alamo Ranch TX, Leon Valley TX, Shavano Park TX, and surrounding areas.


Additional Services You May Need
▸ Epidural Steroid Injection
▸ Lumbar Facet Joint Block
▸ Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection
▸ Sacroiliac Joint Injection
▸ Radiofrequency Rhizotomy
▸ Selective Nerve Root Block
▸ Lumbar Sympathetic Block
▸ Discography
▸ Spinal Cord Stimulation
▸ Cervical Facet Blocks
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▸ Lumbar Epidural Injections
▸ Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection
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▸ Stellate Ganglion Blocks
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▸ Knee Joint Ablation for Chronic Knee Pain
▸ Knee Viscosupplement Injections