Question 1

How does the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) work?

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) normally prepares our body for emergencies (“fight or flight” response). It controls our heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature, and the response of our eyes to light. It can also control the perception of pain, the ability to relax, to focus our thoughts, to function sexually, and to respond to stress. When the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is overwhelmed, generally from extreme stress, it becomes programmed to an inappropriately high set point. This causes the body to remain in a state of extreme, survival-level response, increasing an individual’s reaction to life’s everyday events. This is a STRESS INJURY, in which the brain is inappropriately stuck in a “fight or flight” response. This high set point cannot be corrected without resetting or re-booting that part of the nervous system, much like re-booting a computer that is stuck with too many programs running at the same time. Many people have experienced a SNS STRESS INJURY, and as such cannot function physically, think clearly, relax and enjoy being alive. The SGB works to “reset” the nervous system and restore the nervous system to its normal levels.To add a new question go to app settings and press "Manage Questions" button.

Question 2

What do I do before my SGB procedure?

Accepted Answer

•Complete a PCL questionnaire
•Inform us of your medications and allergies
•Continue to take regular medications
•Prepare to have a driver after the procedure

Question 3

What happens during the SGB procedure?

Accepted Answer

The patient will lie face up on the exam table, awake and alert, for the duration of the procedure The patient will receive an IV catheter in your arm or hand The skin will be disinfected and an ultrasound exam is performed on the neck to identify anatomical landmarks and locate the Stellate Ganglion. Under ultrasound guidance, the patient will receive an injection of 8 mL of a long-acting anesthetic around the Stellate Ganglion. The injection takes 10 minutes, but the patient will be monitored for an hour after the procedure. Normal side effects (that last anywhere from 2-6 hours) are Horner's syndrome, Ptosis (drooping of upper eyelid), Miosis(constriction of pupil), hoarse voice.

Question 4

How effective is the SGB procedure?

Accepted Answer

The SGB procedure has proven to be extremely effective, particularly among individuals who score higher than 50 on the PCL test. Most patients appear to have long-lasting results with just one treatment, while others may require additional treatments at least three months apart. If the patient actively remains in high stress situations, they may be more likely to benefit from repeat SGBs.

Question 5

How do I know if my SGB was successful?

Accepted Answer

If the SGB was successful than a Horner's response should happen within 5 minutes of the procedure. Horner’s syndrome is a series of temporary changes that happens on the side of the body that was blocked only once the “fight-or-flight” nervous system has been successfully turned off. Some of the changes are easily visible and includes ptosis (the eyelid will droop), miosis (the pupil will get smaller) and scleral icterus (the white part of the eye become red). Example picture of Horner's response
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