WHAT IS IT?
The stellate ganglion is a group of nerves in the neck responsible for variety of autonomic functions, such as maintaining body temperature, circulation, and sweating, and is sometimes involved in nerve pain disorders. A blockade of these nerves can help diagnose and treat pain. To see if the stellate ganglion is the source of pain, medications including local anesthetic and contrast dye are injected. X-ray is used to make sure the medication is placed properly on the nerves. The patient must describe the amount of pain relief and the amount of time the pain relief lasts. If there is pain relief response from the injection, it can be determined that the stellate ganglion is the source of pain.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
There is some risk of localized swelling, soreness or bruising, severe bleeding, nerve damage, and infection. The patient might experience hoarseness for a few hours after the procedure. Often patients will experience Homer’s syndrome, a condition where the face may look droopy on the injection side. This is a short term effect and can be confused as a stroke. There is rare risk of a small puncture in the lung called pnuemothorax, and seizure.