Work

The Effectiveness and Safety of Stellate Ganglion Block in the Treatment of Symptoms from Long COVID-19: A Pilot Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose Pilot study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of stellate ganglion blocks in the treatment of symptoms related to long COVID infection. Materials and Methods A total of 17 patients who underwent stellate ganglion block for the treatment of their long COVID symptoms were included. COMPASS-31, GAD-7, PCL-5, and Fatigue Severity Score (FSS) pre and post intervention surveys and data on baseline heartrate and post- block heart rate recorded in the EMR. Results A total of 94% of patients reported moderate-to-severe autonomic dysfunction pre-procedure as measured by COMPASS-31. All patients reported some degree of symptomatic improvement from the block. Specifically, patients had significantly lower FSS scores ( P = 0.002) and heart rate post-procedure ( P = 0.008). Although the decrease in PCL-5 scores after the procedure was clinically meaningful, this change was not statistically significant ( P = 0.159). No significant difference was found in pre and post procedure GAD-7 scores ( P = 0.101). Conclusions Stellate ganglion block is a safe, low-risk, minimally invasive, and effective procedure in the treatment of symptoms for long COVID. It should be evaluated as an adjunctive treatment of select patients in this population.

Source: Psychopharmacology Bulletin

DOI: 10.64719/pb.4500