What is this procedure?
The stellate ganglion is part of the sympathetic nerve network serving the upper body.
When might it be considered?
Selected sympathetically mediated upper-limb pain, including some cases of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Your physician will determine whether this approach is appropriate and discuss alternatives, including non-procedural care.
What to expect
With monitoring and imaging guidance, medication is placed near the sympathetic nerves. Your clinician reviews your history, medications, allergies, and any relevant tests. The team explains the procedure and obtains your consent. Positioning, skin preparation, local numbing, and imaging guidance may be part of the visit, depending on the procedure.
Tell your care team about pregnancy, infection, medication allergies, or blood-thinning medicines. Do not stop or change medicines without instructions from the clinician managing them.
Potential benefits
A temporary response may help assess sympathetic involvement and provide a window for rehabilitation. Benefit and duration vary; some patients experience little or no improvement. An injection is one possible part of a broader care plan.
Possible risks & side effects
Temporary eyelid droop, hoarseness, warmth or swallowing changes can occur. Rare complications include nerve or blood-vessel injury and lung puncture.
This is not a complete list of risks. Your physician should explain the options, limitations, and consent information specific to your planned procedure.
Recovery & follow-up
The team monitors swallowing and other effects before discharge. Follow instructions about eating, drinking and transportation. Observation and activity instructions depend on the procedure, medication, and your response. Ask whether you need a driver and when you can return to usual activities. Follow your own discharge instructions rather than a general online timeline.
Contact your care team about unexpected or worsening symptoms. Seek urgent medical help for severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, or new significant weakness.
Common questions
Why might my eyelid droop afterward?
Temporary changes around the eye can occur when sympathetic nerves are blocked. Ask the team which effects are expected and when to report persistent symptoms.
Will this procedure relieve my pain?
It may help selected patients, but improvement is not guaranteed. Your physician will discuss realistic goals based on the suspected source of your pain.
Will I need more than one injection?
The need for further treatment depends on your response, the diagnosis, and safety considerations. There is no automatic course of injections that suits everyone.
How should I prepare?
Ask the team for your specific instructions, including medicines, food and drink, transportation, and what to bring. Do not change your medicines based on this page.
Is this available at Columbia Pain Management?
Contact the office to discuss eligibility and scheduling. Your physician will assess whether a procedure is appropriate for you.
Patient education reference: my.clevelandclinic.org — patient education.