Long COVID, also known as Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), has left many individuals grappling with persistent symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and mood disturbances. A recent study by Duricka and Liu (2024) suggests that a procedure called stellate ganglion block (SGB) may offer relief for some of these enduring symptoms.
What is Stellate Ganglion Block?
SGB is a medical procedure involving an injection of local anesthetic into a collection of nerves in the neck known as the stellate ganglion. This area influences the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions. By modulating nerve activity, SGB has been used to treat conditions like chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Study Overview
The researchers conducted a retrospective chart review of patients treated with SGB for Long COVID symptoms between 2021 and 2022. Participants self-reported their symptoms using a 10-point scale through an online survey. Follow-ups conducted at least one month post-treatment revealed significant reductions in several symptoms, including:
Fatigue
Post-exertional malaise (worsening of symptoms following mental or physical activity)
Memory problems
Concentration difficulties
Sleep disturbances
Anxiety
Depression
However, symptoms like loss of taste and smell did not show improvement, possibly indicating structural damage from the initial infection (Duricka & Liu, 2024).
Implications
These findings suggest that SGB may alleviate certain Long COVID symptoms, potentially offering a new avenue for treatment. The study's authors advocate for prospective studies to further explore this possibility (Duricka & Liu, 2024).
Conclusion
While more research is needed to confirm these results, SGB presents a promising option for individuals suffering from persistent Long COVID symptoms. As always, patients should consult with their healthcare providers to discuss potential treatments tailored to their specific needs.
About the author: Dr. David George is a mutiple-board clinician and founder of Neuregen Integrative Psychiatry and Neurologic Health Center in Scottsdale, Arizona offering the Stellate Ganglion Block procedure and other brain-optimizing therapies for a range of brain and mental health conditions. Reference:
Duricka, D., & Liu, L. (2024). Reduction of long COVID symptoms after stellate ganglion block: A retrospective chart review study. Autonomic Neuroscience, 254, 103195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autneu.2024.103195
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