Abstract
The stellate ganglion, which is also known as the inferior cervical ganglion, is located on the anterior surface of the longus colli muscle. This muscle lies just anterior to the transverse processes of the seventh cervical and first thoracic vertebrae. The stellate ganglion is made up of the fused portion of the seventh cervical and first thoracic sympathetic ganglia. The stellate ganglion lies anteromedial to the vertebral artery and is medial to the common carotid artery and jugular vein. The stellate ganglion is lateral to the trachea and esophagus. Stellate ganglion block is indicated in the treatment of acute herpes zoster in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve and cervical and upper thoracic dermatomes as well as frostbite and acute vascular insufficiency of the face and upper extremities. Stellate ganglion block is also indicated in the treatment of reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the face, neck, upper extremity, and upper thorax; Raynaud syndrome of the upper extremities; and sympathetically mediated pain of malignant origin. Stellate ganglion block using the vertebral body approach is indicated when neurolysis of the stellate ganglion is being considered. The major advantage of this approach over the traditional anterior approach is that the placement of the needle tip against the junction of the transverse process and vertebral body decreases the possibility of inadvertent lysis of the somatic nerve roots, the phrenic nerve, or the recurrent laryngeal nerve. The disadvantage of this approach compared with the posterior approach to stellate ganglion block is the higher incidence of permanent Horner syndrome.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.