United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Can anybody tell me anthing about a "neural block" actual called stellate ganglion block. Pain Management Dr. suggested

I had it attampted with a shot of freezing, did nothing. Hope this helps.

John tried 1.5 months after his injury & it didn't make a difference either. I'll be interested in hearing from those out "there" for whom this did work...

Ellen

Hi...I hate to be a messenger of gloom, but everyone who I have been in contact with who has had a stellate ganglion block has had negative results. It's hard to generalise tho, since each injury is so different, but it seems that someone with a TBPI with avulsed nerves will probably not benefit from this procedure. As far as I know, any beneficial effects rely on the nerves being intact, in continuity. Even then, apparently the effects wear off after a few hours and up to ten treatments have to be performed before there is any longer lasting effect. Ask if they have had any success with controlling the pain from a TBPI and ask if you can be put in touch with them.
Good luck...
Lizzy B

avulsions here, tried the first of what docs said would be a series of 6 stellate ganglion blocks to no avail. didnt seem to phase a thing and at 125 dollars a pop for a needle in the throat, i decided it wasnt worth pursuing, especially in a situation with avulsed nerves where there are no nerve synapses to "block". makes no sense, question the doctor who suggested it and ask him what his cut is

I will email you also. My son had them done also and did absolutely nothing. We were told afterwards by other doctors that it won't work for avulsion. Just another instance about certain people in medical field that no nothing about brachial plexus injuries. They can't be treated like other issues.

In 4 years of tbpi support I have yet to find anyone these blocks worked on, I can't find any papers saying they worked in avulsion cases and I keep seeing pain docs recommending them (and those spinal implants, they don't work either for avulsion pain-another one the docs who don't know much seem to offer). You guys have choice in who you see, find someone who understands bpi pain, if they don't think tbpi with avulsions is something different than 'normal' pain, they are not the best doc to treat you.
Sorry to sound negative but I really do get tired of these docs getting wealthy when THEY DON'T KNOW THEIR JOBS!
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