Long COVID
For some people who have had COVID-19, symptoms can continue for months or even years. This is known as long-haul COVID-19 or long COVID.
The stellate ganglion block has shown to help individuals who have experienced ongoing symptoms of:
- Anosmia (loss of smell)
- Dysgeusia (taste distortion)
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
Patient Story
Injecting Hope: Stellate Ganglion Block Returns Smell and Taste After COVID
What can I expect during the procedure?
You will be brought into the procedure room and lie on your back. Your skin will be cleaned at the injection site of the neck area. An ultrasound machine will be used to visualize the needle as it is guided to the appropriate site and ensures correct placement of the anesthetic. Steroid medication with an anesthetic is injected in the affected area that bathes the stellate ganglion nerves.
What can I expect after the procedure?
You will be moved into the recovery area and monitored by a nurse for 15-20 minutes You may experience some temporary effects of nasal congestion, hoarse voice, a droopy eye, and flushed face. These effects are normal and disappear after a few hours. Plan to follow-up with your provider two weeks after the injection to assess its effectiveness and determine the next step in your care.
Appointments
A patient can self-refer to the Pain Clinic if allowed by their insurance. To schedule an appointment with your primary care provider for a referral, or directly with the Pain Management Specialist, call 320-864-7816.
Note: We use ultrasound to guide the injection instead of x-ray with contrast, which is what is shown in this video.
