Stellate Ganglion Block

A Stellate ganglion block can be performed for many conditions causing chronic pain of the shoulder and/or arms, such as Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) of the upper extremities. The stellate ganglion is formed from fusion of the first thoracic and inferior cervical sympathetic ganglion, and it receives innervation from the T1-T4 sympathetic outflow. Stellate ganglion blockade provides sympathetic interruption of the head, neck, upper extremities, and intrathoracic structures. The block is performed by injection of LA near the ganglion where it lies on the anterior surface of the vertebral column, through placement of a needle in the anterior neck.