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903A South Greeley Highway, Cheyenne, WY 82007
307-633-8100 Fax: 307-633-8108
STELLATE GANGLION BLOCK
Your doctor has recommended that
you have a Stellate Ganglion Block in your neck. Please feel free
to call us at 307-633-8190, should you have any questions or
concerns.
Neuropathic
pain stems from damage to peripheral nerves sending signals to the
brain. The pain from these nerve signals can be mistaken for other
medical conditions so correct diagnosis is critical for effective
treatment. Using procedures such as lumbar sympathetic blocks or
stellate ganglion blocks into a regional area may help identify the
source of ongoing pain, and once identified, repeated blocks with
local anesthetic and/or long acting steroids may reduce or eliminate
pain from these areas.
The treatment plan for neuropathic pain can be quite
complex as the cause of peripheral nerve pain are many and may arise
from different medical conditions. Therefore a complete and
comprehensive history and physical exam is essential prior to
treatment. Dr. Ribnik will then determine whether or not nerve
blocks are indicated either for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
As mentioned above, repeated blocks may be indicated, or sometimes
continuous infusions via pump may provide pain relief. Continuous
infusion would be provided by an implanted system discussed later in
this site.
Please have someone
who can drive you home on the day of your block. Some people
experience soreness and/or discomfort and/or numbness in the
affected arm making it difficult to drive home.
The day of your
block you can expect the following:
- You will be
asked to sign a consent form which explains the block as well as
the potential risks and the benefits.
- You will be
escorted to the Recovery Room and positioned flat on your back
on the guerney.
- You will be
connected to a heart monitor, automatic blood pressure cuff and
a pulse oximetry finger probe which measures the oxygen in your
blood. These monitors help the staff to assess your condition
at all times.
- The doctor
will clean your back with alcohol.
- Once you are
positioned and prepped, your doctor will insert a small needle
into your neck and inject a local anesthetic. You may feel some
pressure in your neck at this time.
- You may
temporarily experience weakness in your arm, droopiness in your
eye, a hoarse voice or difficulty swallowing.
- A nurse will
monitor your vital signs for 30 minutes after the procedure.
- Once the
monitoring period is completed, your IV will be taken out and
you may go home.
- A member of
the staff will call you two or three days after your block to
see how you are feeling. Please feel free to call before that
if you have any questions or concerns.
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