Is a Stellate Ganglion Block Dangerous?

The Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) can have powerful effects for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), long COVID, anxiety, hot flashes, and chronic pain. Is a Stellate Ganglion Block dangerous though?

How the Stellate Ganglion Block Works

The Stellate Ganglion controls your body's fight-flight response. It is also called the Dual Sympathetic Reset (DSR). When we numb these nerves, it can reduce these fight-flight symptoms, including:

• Hypervigilance
• Hyperarousal
• Flashbacks
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Sleep disturbances

The SGB is performed with ultrasound guidance by your doctor at Clarus Health to identify the stellate ganglion. Numbing medication, like Novacaine, is then injected to numb the nerves. You can watch a video of Dr. Kaveh performing a SGB on his patient:

Is a Stellate Ganglion Block Dangerous?

Like any medical procedure, there are risks with the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB). It's difficult to give an exact percentage of complications because techniques for SGB have become increasingly safer over the years. Some notable findings include:

• A study of 45,000 SGBs using the oldest technique for SGB (without X-ray or ultrasound) showed a complication rate of 1.7 per 1,000 patients
• A newer study using X-ray guidance in 250 patients showed 0 complications
• A newer study using ultrasound guidance in 274 patients showed 0 complications, this was also shown in a study specifically for PTSD in 166 patients

These studies demonstrate increasing safety, with ultrasound guidance believed to add the greatest safety to reduce the danger and complication rate of Stellate Ganglion Block. This is especially true for serious side effects of bleeding, which occur in 1 in 100,000 Stellate Ganglion Blocks and more likely to occur without imaging guidance. Ultrasound guidance is increasingly considered the safest modality. This is the technique used by Clarus Health.

Tell your doctor if you take any blood thinners or take any herbal supplements because these can increase the risk of bleeding complications

What are the Side Effects of the Stellate Ganglion Block?

Many of the side effects of the Stellate Ganglion Block are temporary and expected after successfully blocking the fight-flight response. This includes:

• Blocking the pupillary dilation seen in fight-flight mode (causing constricted pupils)
• Counteracting the cold hands caused by high stress states and Raynaud's syndrome (causing a warm hand)
• Relaxing blood vessels that are otherwise constricted in high-stress states (causing eye redness and nasal congestion)

These side effects are transient and typically resolve within 4-8 hours. There are rare and more serious complications from the Stellate Ganglion Block that you can read about in Dr. Kaveh's article. These main serious complications include seizures, bleeding, and infection.

Is a Stellate Ganglion Block Safe For You?

It is important that you understand the side effects associated with SGB before the procedure. While SGB is considered very safe, especially with ultrasound guidance, your vigilance in monitoring for possible side effects is very important for your safety. Talk to a doctor at Clarus Health to learn if you are a candidate for a Stellate Ganglion Block to help uncover your healing potential.

Fortunately, most side effects are temporary and resolve on their own. However, if you experience severe, persistent, or worrisome symptoms, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider. They can offer guidance and support to manage any adverse effects effectively.