Stellate Ganglion Block for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Treatment After SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine: A Case Report

Cureus. 2023 Apr 30;15(4):e38318. doi: 10.7759/cureus.38318. eCollection 2023 Apr.

Abstract

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a poorly understood neuropathic pain syndrome that may have different etiologies. Reports of this syndrome after vaccination are rare. We report a female patient with a medical history of acute stroke of the right carotid artery in the previous four months who developed hyperalgesia, allodynia, edema, and color changes in the upper left member compatible with CRPS one day after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. A multimodal therapeutic approach was adopted, including a stellate ganglion block, with favorable results, including pain score reduction and increased mobility of the affected member.

Keywords: case report; complex regional pain syndrome; covid-19 vaccine; stellate ganglion blockade; stroke.

Publication types

  • Case Reports