Stellate Ganglion Block

Pain Management

682-885 -7246

1500 Cooper Street How we give the block Fort Worth, Texas 76104 Takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes

Stellate Ganglion 1. We start an IV and give medicine to relax.

2. You lie on your back on the x-ray table. Group of nerves in neck, next to the spine. 3. We clean the skin on your neck to help • Part of larger system of nerves called decrease chance of infection. “autonomic nervous system”. 4. Doctor injects small area with numbing medicine.

• These nerves help control the size of blood 5. Imaging guides your doctor during the vessels that flow to the arms, head, and neck. injection. • These nerves may also send pain signals from the head, neck, or arms.

Please know: You should not have this procedure if you:

Stellate Ganglion Block

Used for treating and 1. Have allergies to any x-ray dye, seafood, Lasix, diagnosing a number of or any of the medicines we may inject.

painful conditions in the 2. Are on a blood thinning medicine such as face, neck, and arms. Coumadin, heparin, or Lovenox.

3. Have an active infection.

4. Have a temperature over 101 degrees.

5. Have a low platelet count.

How the block helps Risks

Generally speaking, this procedure is safe.

• Injection blocks messages sent by the nerves. However, like any procedure there are risks, side • If these nerves are sending the pain signals, effects, and the possibility of complications. the pain will be reduced after the injection. Risks may include but are not limited to:

• Bruising We call you several days before the procedure

• Infections

We will tell you: • Tenderness 1. Where and when to arrive. • Headache • Nerve damage 2. When to stop drinking and eating. • Bleeding at the injection site

• Temporary weakness Medicines and Allergies: • Very rarely pneumothorax, stroke, seizure, 1. We will ask for the name and dose of all loss of consciousness medicines your child takes.

These instructions are only general guidelines. Your health 2. We will ask if your child has allergies. care providers may give you special instructions. If you have any questions or concerns, please call your health Note: You may need to stop taking some of your care providers. medicines before the procedure.