Stellate Ganglion Blocks for Long-Term COVID-19 Symptoms

Stellate ganglion blocks (SGB) can be used to help manage the “fight or flight” response. It affects the sympathetic nervous system, a nerve connecting the part of the brain which controls the central autonomic network to the rest of the body.

Studies show that the SBG procedure on the right side help improves long-term chronic anxiety. This essentially “turns off” the sympathetic nervous system and allows the brain to reset. Stellate Ganglion block procedures take less than 15 minutes to complete, and benefits have been reported in as little as 30 minutes.

Treating Long-Term COVID-19 Symptoms with Stellate Ganglion Blocks

Symptoms brought on by COVID-19 can be reduced or eliminated using stellate ganglion blocks.

Common long-term COVID symptoms are:

• Altered sense of taste or smell. While most patients recover these senses, some experience long-term problems with their diet and nutrition.
• Brain Fog. Some patients reportedly have difficulty with memory and concentration.
• Fatigue. Patients often feel exhaustion in their neck, head, and upper torso.
• Dizziness. Feeling dizzy or lightheaded is a common long-term symptom for many patients

The stellate ganglion is part of the cervical sympathetic chain. It is key to the sympathetic nervous system. When long-term symptoms from COVID-19 affect someone, their “fight or flight” response is always on, as if there were no off switch.

The SBG procedure injects a long-lasting anesthetic around the stellate ganglion to turn “off” the switch for a few hours. This allows the brain to reset and go into a non-anxious state.

Stellate ganglion blocks improve aspects of life that are affected by the symptoms of COVID-19, such as relationships, social activities, sleep, and mood.

While this is not a cure for COVID-19, the SBG procedure effectively treats long-term symptoms. Knowing that the symptoms may return with a triggering incident is essential. Many patients find it helpful to get the procedure repeated if they experience a positive response to treatment.

Contact our team of specialists at Texas Pain Experts for more information using the form below.