CureusSep 15, 2023

Stellate Ganglion Block May Relieve Long COVID Symptoms in Most Patients

Updated Jan 1, 2026

Abstract

In a cohort of 41 patients, 86% experienced a reduction in symptoms after stellate ganglion block treatment for long COVID-19 syndrome.

Long COVID-19 syndrome involves a range of persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and incapacitating.
Current treatment options are diverse, including homeopathic medicine and various therapies.
The understanding of long COVID-19's physiological basis remains inconclusive.
This study focused on the effectiveness of stellate ganglion block for symptom management.

Simplified

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.

Full Text

We can’t show the full text here under this license.

View Full Text ↗

Stellate Ganglion Block May Relieve Long COVID Symptoms in Most Patients

Abstract

Full Text

You found one interesting study. We’ll send the next 7.

what lands in your inbox each week:

Recent issues from the long covid brief

Abstract

Full Text

Related papers

You found one interesting study. We’ll send the next 7.

what lands in your inbox each week:

Recent issues from the long covid brief