The Before and Aftercare of a Stellate Ganglion Block
If your considering a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB), the procedure is meant to help with anxiety and PTSD.
So, while the procedure only takes 10 minutes to complete, making a plan before and after treatment will dramatically improve your experience and potentially your response!
Remember, this is about making things easier for you and ensuring the best outcome. Before you get a stellate ganglion block, there are some key steps you’ll need to take to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Prep Guidelines for Stellate Ganglion blocks
1. Discuss any medications you’re taking with your doctor. You might need to pause or adjust some of them before the procedure.
Notify the provider of any anxiety issues (about injections, procedures, etc.).
You may receive an IV (to deliver anti-anxiety or anti-nausea medication, for example).
You should plan to spend up to an hour at the clinic for the procedure and post-procedure evaluation.
2. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, or other stimulants for 24 hours before the procedure and afterwards as well. Remember, the procedure is to help anxiety, so fewer stimulants help the procedure be more successful.
3. Next, plan to have someone drive you home. This isn’t the time to be brave and drive yourself; safety first.
4. Dress comfortably for the procedure, as you’ll want to be as relaxed as possible. Remove any jewelry from around the treatment area (head and neck).
5. Plan for a quiet day. Hold off from exercising for the day, meaning no strenuous activities.
6. Listen to your body and take careful account fo how you feel. Do some journaling, Pay attention. You can shower or bathe afterwards.
What you'll see after the procedure
1. Some of these symptoms are guaranteed – a droopy eyelid, nasal congestion, or facial flushing are evidence that the SGB was blocked, and all of these resolve in 24 hours.
2. A cough , hoarse voice or trouble swallowing may occur and also resolves in 24 hours or less.
