The procedure for a stellate ganglion block, broken down step-by-step.
The procedure
A stellate ganglion block is a nerve block that targets the stellate ganglion — a bundle of nerves in the neck that is affects the ‘fight or flight’ response and our bodies’ response to perceived danger. This treatment can be helpful for patients struggling with symptoms of hypervigilance, PTSD, or severe anxiety, among other conditions.
The procedure is simple and takes only 5-10 minutes.
We start by asking you to climb onto the procedure table. You will rest your head on a pillow and turn it gently to the side.
We then apply ultrasound jelly to the side of your neck and use an ultrasound probe to find the right locations for the procedure, at the C4 and C6 vertebrae along the cervical spine. We numb the skin, and using a very small needle that can be seen under ultrasound, we inject 5mL of anesthetic medication next to the stellate ganglion.
The stellate ganglion is a bundle of nerves that acts as the sympathetic outflow from the brain to the rest of the body. This procedure temporarily blocks this nerve bundle by surrounding it with a pocket of a long-acting anesthetic medication, a sodium channel blocker called bupivacaine. This medication starts working slowly over about 30 minutes and lasts about 8-12 hours.
After a single injection of the medication is given at C4 and C6 along the neck, the procedure is complete.
We ask patients to sit with us after their stellate ganglion block is complete as the side effects of the block set in over the course of 30 minutes. Patients can expect to experience Horner’s syndrome, which includes symptoms such as a droopy eye, thick throat, and difficulty swallowing. These side effects will be strongest during this initial 30 minutes and gradually fade over the course of 8-12 hours.
Surprisingly easy
It’s common for patients to be nervous around a stellate ganglion block procedure because the idea of a needle in their neck is unsettling. However, many patients tell us they are surprised by just how quick and easy the treatment is.
We often hear that a stellate ganglion block feels easier than having an IV placed, as you can’t watch it as it’s happening like you might with an IV or flu shot. We talk you through the whole thing, which can offer a bit of distraction. The longest part of the process is using the ultrasound to find the treatment location, and the majority of what patients experience during their block is the sensation of the ultrasound probe against their neck. While the side effects that patients experience after treatment can certainly feel weird and unusual, they are not very uncomfortable.
Stellate ganglion blocks often exceed patient expectations for being very tolerable. Some patients experience relief from their symptoms of PTSD or hypervigilance on the same day of treatment, before they even leave our clinic. This relief generally lasts 2-6 months, and for some patients, can last indefinitely.
About Us
Wells Medicine is a Houston-based practice designed to provide meaningful care for mental health. Providing targeted interventional treatments for Depression, Anxiety, OCD, PTSD and other conditions, with Ketamine Treatments, Stellate Ganglion Blocks, TMS, and Nitrous-Oxide Treatments. Focused on comprehensive care and integration with Psychiatry, Psychology, and Support Services. We are evidence-based, patient-focused and mission-driven.
The content here is for informational purposes and should not be relied upon for medical decisions. For the details of your specific medical conditions and treatments consult your doctors or other qualified healthcare professionals.
