Stellate Ganglion Block Relieves Long COVID-19 Symptoms in 86% of Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Lisa Pearson; Alfred Maina; Taylor Compratt; Sherri Harden; Abbey Aaroe; Whitney Copas; Leah Thompson

doi:10.7759/cureus.45161

Stellate Ganglion Block Relieves Long COVID-19 Symptoms in 86% of Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Cureus. 2023 Sep 13;15(9):e45161. doi: 10.7759/cureus.45161. eCollection 2023 Sep.

Authors

Lisa Pearson^{1

2

3}, Alfred Maina^{4

5}, Taylor Compratt², Sherri Harden⁵, Abbey Aaroe², Whitney Copas², Leah Thompson^{6

5}

Affiliations

¹ Pain Management, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA.
² Pain Management, Metamorphosis Ltd., Canon City, USA.
³ Pain Management, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, USA.
⁴ Anesthesia, Missouri State University, Springfield, USA.
⁵ Pain Management, Metamorphosis Ltd., Colorado Springs, USA.
⁶ Nursing, University of Colorado, Denver, USA.

Abstract

Post-COVID-19 condition, also known as long COVID-19 syndrome and post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2, encompasses an array of symptoms that persist well beyond the initial phase of the viral infection. These symptoms can range in intensity, from mild and manageable to severe and incapacitating. Due to the evolving nature of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, treatment protocols for the illness are in a constant state of evolution. The early stage of long COVID-19 syndrome contributes to a dearth of treatment protocols based on empirical evidence, while the absence of a conclusive pathophysiological understanding further complicates the development of such protocols. Current treatment regimens include homeopathic medicine, specialist system-focused treatments, infusion therapies, hyperbaric oxygenation, antivirals, and polypharmacy. The physiological, psychological, and societal impact of long COVID-19 cannot be approached casually and must govern the intensity with which the healthcare community approaches the treatment of long COVID-19 syndrome. In this 41-patient cohort study from a chronic pain management practice, the use of either unilateral or bilateral stellate ganglion block (SGB) was explored to manage symptoms associated with long COVID-19 syndrome. Results indicated that a substantial proportion of patients (86%) experienced a reduction of their symptoms following SGB treatment.

Keywords: autonomic nervous system modulation; long covid syndrome; long covid-19; post-covid autonomic dysfunction; stellate ganglion block; stellate ganglion block (sgb); treatment for long covid.