Tag: stellate ganglion block

Stellate Ganglion Block reduces symptoms of SARS-CoV-2-induced ME/CFS: A prospective cohort pilot study

Abstract:

Background: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating condition characterized by fatigue, orthostatic intolerance (OI), post-exertional malaise (PEM) and unrefreshing sleep. Our previous work has shown that modulating the autonomic nervous system can alleviate symptoms of Long COVID, which shares striking similarities with ME/CFS.

Objective: Determine the effect of stellate ganglion block (SGB) on symptoms of ME/CFS.

Methods: Subjects who met the WHO criteria for Long COVID and the Institute of Medicine criteria for ME/CFS were treated with sequential bilateral SGBs separated by 18–24 hours for three consecutive weeks (n = 10). At baseline, and at 2-weeks and 2-months post-treatment, we collected subjective assessments (SF-36 and DSQ2) of symptoms, objective assessments of orthostatic intolerance and cognitive performance, and saliva to measure morning cortisol. During the entire study period, a wearable device collected physiological data several nights a week to measure sleep parameters.

Results: DSQ2 measures of PEM, Unrefreshing Sleep, Cognitive Impairment, and OI improved significantly following treatment. SF-36 measures of Vitality, Physical Function, and Social Function improved significantly following treatment. Objective symptoms of POTS associated with infectious onset resolved following treatment. Objective measures of cognitive impairment were reduced following treatment, most notably in the areas of Immediate and Delayed Recognition. Morning cortisol and measures of sleep architecture did not change significantly following treatment.

Conclusions: Symptoms of ME/CFS were reduced after treatment with SGBs in this small prospective cohort pilot study. Given the lack of FDA-approved treatments for ME/CFS, replication of results in a large clinical trial is warranted.

Source: Duricka, D. L., & Liu, L. D. (2025). Stellate Ganglion Block reduces symptoms of SARS-CoV-2-induced ME/CFS: A prospective cohort pilot study. Fatigue: Biomedicine, Health & Behavior, 13(2), 97–114. https://doi.org/10.1080/21641846.2025.2455876 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21641846.2025.2455876#d1e276 (Full text)

Reduction of long COVID symptoms after stellate ganglion block: A retrospective chart review study

Abstract:

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has left millions of individuals with a host of post-viral symptoms that can be debilitating and persist indefinitely. To date there are no definitive tests or treatments for the collection of symptoms known as “Long COVID” or Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Following our initial case report detailing improvement of Long COVID symptoms after sequential bilateral stellate ganglion blockade (SGB), we performed a retrospective chart analysis study on individuals treated with the same protocol over the course of six months (2021-2022) in our clinic.

Patients self-reported symptoms on a 10-point scale as part of optional patient follow-up using an online survey. After one month or more following treatment, patients reported striking reductions in Fatigue, Worsening of Symptoms following Mental and Physical Activity, Memory Problems, Problems Concentrating, Sleep Problems, Anxiety, and Depression. Loss of Taste and Loss of Smell in some individuals did not respond to treatment, likely indicating structural damage following infection.

This study suggests that neuromodulation may provide relief of Long COVID symptoms for at least a subset of individuals, and provides support for prospective studies of this potential treatment.

Source: Duricka D, Liu L. Reduction of long COVID symptoms after stellate ganglion block: A retrospective chart review study. Auton Neurosci. 2024 Jun 13;254:103195. doi: 10.1016/j.autneu.2024.103195. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38901177. https://www.autonomicneuroscience.com/article/S1566-0702(24)00049-3/fulltext (Full text)

Stellate Ganglion Block for Long COVID Symptom Management: A Case Report

Abstract:

Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is gaining increasing acceptance as a treatment modality for various medical conditions. It works by blocking neuronal transmissions which in turn alleviates sympathetically-driven disease processes. Many of the prolonged sequelae of long COVID are thought to be mediated by dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, and SGB is being investigated as a potential option for symptomatic management of long COVID. This case report demonstrates the efficacy of SGB in a previously healthy patient for the management of long COVID symptoms including fatigue, post-exertional malaise, shortness of breath, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Source: Khan M H, Kirkpatrick K P, Deng Y, et al. (December 07, 2022) Stellate Ganglion Block for Long COVID Symptom Management: A Case Report. Cureus 14(12): e32295. doi:10.7759/cureus.32295 https://www.cureus.com/articles/127985-stellate-ganglion-block-for-long-covid-symptom-management-a-case-report (Full text)