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The sympathetic nervous system helps control automatic functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, sweating and blood-vessel tone. In some pain conditions, sympathetic activity can become linked with ongoing pain.
The stellate ganglion is a cluster of sympathetic nerves in the lower neck that sends signals to the head, neck, upper chest and upper extremity.
During an SGB, local anesthetic is placed near these nerves using image guidance. The medication temporarily reduces sympathetic signaling. For pain conditions, the patient's response can provide information about whether a sympathetic component is contributing to symptoms. The same sympathetic pathway is one reason SGB has been studied for PTSD-related hyperarousal.
It does not permanently destroy the stellate ganglion. It does not permanently turn off the sympathetic nervous system. It does not guarantee long-term relief. When used for PTSD, it does not replace mental-health treatment.
Medway Pain Center can evaluate your symptoms, medical history and treatment goals to determine whether stellate ganglion block may be a reasonable option.