Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)
What is SGB?
A sympathetic nerve block is a type of injection that is used to relieve pain caused by a variety of conditions, such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), cancer pain, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), and mostly neuropathic pain. It treats symptoms such as, tingling, burning, or stabbing pain, numbness or decreased sensation, and increased sensitivity to touch or pressure, in any of your extremities.
It involves the injection of local anesthetic into the nerves that control the sympathetic nervous system. This system is responsible for controlling various involuntary functions in the body, such as sweating, blood flow, and organ function.
The human body has multiple types of sympathetic nerve blocks, each targeting different regions of the autonomic nervous system. Among them, the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is one of the most well-known and widely utilized for its therapeutic benefits.
What is a Stellate Ganglion Block?
A Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is a specialized procedure that involves injecting a local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion, a nerve cluster in the lower neck that plays a key role in regulating the autonomic nervous system.
By temporarily altering nerve activity, SGB has been used in treating chronic pain conditions, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and autonomic dysfunction.
This treatment has been utilised in pain management, neurology, and mental health fields to help patients achieve relief from debilitating symptoms.
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If you’re living with PTSD, anxiety, or chronic pain, you’re not alone and you don’t have to wait to start feeling better.
Key Benefits of Stellate Ganglion Block
Advanced Pain Management
- Relief for neuropathic pain in the neck, arms, and face.
- Used to treat Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS Type I & II).
- Can treat patients with post-herpetic neuralgia (shingles pain).
PTSD & Stress Response Regulation
- SGB has been shown to reduce hyperactive fight-or-flight responses in patients with PTSD.
- Many patients report a significant decrease in anxiety, panic episodes, and intrusive thoughts.
Circulation & Autonomic Function Benefits
- Can improve blood flow in patients with vascular insufficiency or Raynaud’s disease.
- May help restore autonomic balance in patients with dysautonomia.
Migraine & Headache Treatment
- Effective for chronic migraines, cluster headaches, and occipital neuralgia.
- May help reduce headache frequency and severity in treatment-resistant cases.
Emerging Use in Long COVID Recovery
- Some studies indicate SGB may improve symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, and autonomic dysfunction.
- Clinical experience suggests it could be a promising approach for patients with lingering post-viral symptoms.
Potential Benefits for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Recovery
- Some patients with post-concussive symptoms report improved mental clarity, reduced headaches, and better mood regulation.