Stellate Ganglion Block, Tampa, Florida
What conditions can benefit from Stellate Ganglion Block?
a) Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
b) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
c) Raynaud’s Syndrome
d) Treatment Resistant Ventricular Tachycardia (Electrical Storm)
e) Acute Limb Ischemia (lack of blood supply)
f) Herpes Zoster
g) Long COVID symptoms
h) Hiccups
i) Intractable “Hot Flashes”
What is a Stellate Ganglion Block?
A stellate ganglion block is an injection of local anesthetic (numbing medicine) to block the sympathetic nerves located on either side of the voice box in the neck.
What are the side effects of Stellate Ganglion Block?
Drooping of the eyelid, bloodshot eye, stuffy nose and a temperature increase in the arm. You may also experience some hoarseness.
Horner’s Syndrome
4. Does Stellate Ganglion Block work for PTSD?
An option that Dr. Kalava can offer for patients with PTSD is a Stellate Ganglion Block , as evidenced by recent data published on patients who received Stellate Ganglion Block for PTSD. (Study 1) (Study 2) (Study 3).
5. Does Stellate Ganglion Block work for Long COVID?
As physicians and medical community continue to try new treatments for long COVID, there has been some hope after use of Stellate Ganglion Blocks to help with symptoms of Long COVID including “lack of smell/taste” “headache”, ‘brain fog”etc. These are the current studies that have shown some promise in managing long COVID symptoms. (Study 1) (Study 2)(Dr. Kalava’s Article)
6. How many treatments are necessary?
Current scientific evidence recommends two injections done 2 weeks apart.
7. What local anesthetic is used to perform SGB?
0.5% ropivacaine
8. Do you perform SGB at C6 or C4 & C6?
A recent study (reference) showed no significant difference when SGB was performed at C6 only Vs at C4 & C6. Also, 80% of the population the, inferior cervical ganglion (located at C6 (NOT C4) is fused with the first thoracic ganglion, forming the cervico-thoracic ganglion AKA Stellate Ganglion. We routinely perform at C6, as anatomically stellate ganglion is located at C6, C7 & T1 and it only involves one injection. If a patient would like to have it done at C4 & C6 we can to do TWO injections.
9. Do you inject steroids?
No
10. Are these services covered by insurances?
Stellate Ganglion Block for PTSD & Long COVID and some other indications mentioned above is not covered by insurance.
Our fees: 1. Consultation: $300
2. Stellate Ganglion Block with Ultrasound: $500 (One Side ONLY)
11. Will I be awake for the procedure?
Yes! The injection itself takes 1-2 minutes, followed by a 15-20 minute monitoring session. If you have needle phobia or anxiety in getting this procedure. We offer “Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)” sedation, making it a virtually painless procedure. Nitrous oxide costs $200.
12. Why Chose Dr. Kalava?
Unlike other physicians who use fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, Dr. Kalava performs Stellate Ganglion Block under direct ultrasound guidance. Ultrasound nerve blocks are much safer than X-ray guided blocks and also have ZERO radiation to the patient. Not only does Dr. Kalava perform these blocks, he also teaches other physicians via his educational company www.UltrasoundExperts.org.
Fox 13 News coverage of Dr. Kalava helping veterans with PTSD using stellate ganglion block (SGB) : June, 2021
