Stellate Ganglion Nerve Block

A Stellate Ganglion Nerve Injection is an injection of bupivacaine, a local anesthetic, combined with cortisone into the stellate ganglion. The stellate ganglion is a collection of sympathetic nerves in the neck. The stellate ganglion injection can decrease the sympathetically mediated pain and increase circulation to the affected upper extremity.

A Board Certified Neuroradiologist performs the procedure and is assisted by a Certified Radiological Technologist. Guided by fluoroscopic x-ray, the medication is injected into the stellate ganglion to reduce pain and imflammation.

The patient should experience the positive effects of the injection immediately. A series of injections is usually required and depends upon the severity and duration of the upper extremity pain. The results of this injection are sent to the referring physician and will help to determine the best plan of treatment.