Authors:
Don Cooper Ph.D.
Director of the Medical Science Division at Ramos Law
Joseph Ramos MD, JD
Principal Ramos Law
Stellate Ganglion Block Treatment is a novel experimental treatment procedure that is just beginning to be used for symptoms associated with long COVID and vaccine injury. Prior to COVID, it has been used for decades and has good treatment effect on regulating blood pressure hyperthyroidism, excessive sweating, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), heart arrhythmias, irritable bowel syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What is the Stellate Ganglion and Its Role in the Autonomic Nervous System
The stellate ganglion is a group of nerves located in the upper neck that is shaped like a star, hence its name. It plays a role in regulating the body’s autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is responsible for controlling many automatic functions in the body, such as heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and digestion. Dysregulation of the ANS can lead to a range of symptoms, including those associated with long COVID and vaccine injury where symptoms involve multiple physiological systems (e. g. vascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, and immunological).
Stellate Ganglion Block Treatment Procedure
Stellate ganglion block treatment involves injecting a local anesthetic or steroid, into the stellate ganglion to block overactive responses and reboot the ANS. The local anesthetic works by temporarily numbing the quieting the nerves in the stellate ganglion, while the steroid helps to reduce inflammation that irritates the nerves making them overly excitable. The procedure is quick, safe and is typically performed in an ambulatory surgery center.
The effects of the treatment typically last for several weeks to several months, depending on the individual and the condition being treated. It is important to note that stellate ganglion block treatment may not be a permanent solution and may need to be repeated in order to continue experiencing relief from symptoms although this may be different for vaccine and long COVID symptoms.
History of Stellate Ganglion Block Treatment
The history of stellate ganglion block treatment dates back to the early 20th century. It was first used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) in the 1920s and has since been used to treat a variety of conditions. In the 1940s, it was used to treat soldiers with PTSD from World War II.
Theories Behind How Stellate Ganglion Block Treatment Works for Long COVID and Vaccine Injury
There are several theories as to how stellate ganglion block treatment works for long COVID and vaccine injury. One theory is that the treatment helps to regulate the ANS, which can be disrupted in individuals with long COVID or vaccine injury. Another theory is that the treatment helps to reduce inflammation in the stellate ganglion and surrounding areas, which may be contributing to symptoms.
Conditions Treated by Stellate Ganglion Block Treatment
Stellate ganglion block treatment has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Reynaud’s: a condition in which the blood vessels in the fingers and toes constrict excessively in response to cold temperatures or stress
- Excessive sweating: a condition in which an individual sweats excessively, even in situations where sweating is not necessary
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): a chronic pain condition that can affect the arms, legs, hands, and feet
- Heart arrhythmias: abnormal heart rhythms that can cause palpitations or dizziness
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): a mental health disorder that can develop after experiencing a traumatic event
- Long COVID: a term used to describe individuals who continue to experience symptoms of COVID-19 for weeks or months after initial infection
- Vaccine injury: rare adverse reactions to vaccines that can cause a range of symptoms, including autonomic dysregulation
FDA Approval and Risks of Stellate Ganglion Block Treatment
Stellate ganglion block treatment is not currently FDA-approved for the treatment of long COVID or vaccine injury. It is important to note that the procedure carries certain risks, including bleeding, infection, and nerve damage. It is important to discuss these risks with a healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure.
Efficacy in Different Populations
There is limited research on the efficacy of stellate ganglion block treatment in different populations. Some studies have suggested that the treatment may be more effective in certain individuals, such as those with CRPS or PTSD. New research is beginning to show beneficial effects for vaccine-injury and long COVID.
Contact the Medical Science Division of Ramos Law for Expert Assistance
If you would like to speak with an expert about a serious vaccine-injury that may be treated by stellate ganglion block, you may contact Dr. Don Cooper Ph.D., Director of the Medical Science Division at Ramos Law or Dr. Joseph Ramos, MD, JD. Our team at Ramos Law has extensive experience helping individuals with vaccine injuries navigate the legal and medical landscape. You can contact Ramos Law at the following link: https://www.ramoslaw.com/vaccine-injury/ or call us at (303) 733-6353