Clinical Outcomes Associated with Stellate Ganglion Block Across Multiple Pain Phenotypes

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is an interventional technique frequently applied to manage pain associated with sympathetic dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes and tolerability of SGB in patients with different pain phenotypes. <b>Methods</b>: From 1 January 2024 through 1 March 2025, 96 patients who underwent fluoroscopy-guided SGB at a single center were retrospectively analyzed. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to assess functional status, the SF-36 was applied to evaluate health-related quality of life, and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was employed to measure pain intensity. This study included baseline measurements and follow-up evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure. <b>Results</b>: Statistically significant improvements were observed in VAS, ODI, and SF-36 scores across all pain groups (<i>p</i> < 0.001). The largest median VAS reductions were observed in the migraine (4.0 [3.5-5.0]) and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) (3.7 [3.0-4.5]) groups, both exceeding the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Patients with neuropathic and nociceptive pain showed smaller median reductions (3.4 [2.8-4.0] and 3.0 [2.5-3.8], respectively). The highest proportion of responders (≥50% VAS reduction) was noted in the migraine group (64.3%), while the lowest occurred in the nociceptive group (37.5%). Multivariate analysis identified pain phenotype as the only independent predictor of favorable outcomes, particularly in migraine and CRPS. Minor transient complications occurred in 9.4% of patients, all resolving spontaneously. <b>Conclusions</b>: SGB was well tolerated and associated with significant pain reduction and functional improvement. The observed clinical benefits may reflect mechanisms involving both peripheral and central sympathetic modulation. Larger multicenter prospective studies with extended follow-up are warranted to confirm these findings.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Published
2025-10-27
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14217611
Primary Topic
Pain Management and Treatment
Type
article
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article

Clinical Outcomes Associated with Stellate Ganglion Block Across Multiple Pain Phenotypes

Ali Arslan, Çağatay Küçükbingöz, Yurdal Gezercan, Zeki Boğa et al.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Pain Management and Treatment
article

Clinical Outcomes Associated with Stellate Ganglion Block Across Multiple Pain Phenotypes

Ali Arslan, Çağatay Küçükbingöz, Yurdal Gezercan, Zeki Boğa, Semih Kıvanç Olguner, Mustafa Emre Saraç, Mehmet Özer, Ahmet Yilmaz
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is an interventional technique frequently applied to manage pain associated with sympathetic dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes and tolerability of SGB in patients with different pain phenotypes. <b>Methods</b>: From 1 January 2024 through 1 March 2025, 96 patients who underwent fluoroscopy-guided SGB at a single center were retrospectively analyzed. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to assess functional status, the SF-36 was applied to evaluate health-related quality of life, and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was employed to measure pain intensity. This study included baseline measurements and follow-up evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure. <b>Results</b>: Statistically significant improvements were observed in VAS, ODI, and SF-36 scores across all pain groups (<i>p</i> < 0.001). The largest median VAS reductions were observed in the migraine (4.0 [3.5-5.0]) and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) (3.7 [3.0-4.5]) groups, both exceeding the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Patients with neuropathic and nociceptive pain showed smaller median reductions (3.4 [2.8-4.0] and 3.0 [2.5-3.8], respectively). The highest proportion of responders (≥50% VAS reduction) was noted in the migraine group (64.3%), while the lowest occurred in the nociceptive group (37.5%). Multivariate analysis identified pain phenotype as the only independent predictor of favorable outcomes, particularly in migraine and CRPS. Minor transient complications occurred in 9.4% of patients, all resolving spontaneously. <b>Conclusions</b>: SGB was well tolerated and associated with significant pain reduction and functional improvement. The observed clinical benefits may reflect mechanisms involving both peripheral and central sympathetic modulation. Larger multicenter prospective studies with extended follow-up are warranted to confirm these findings.

Journal of Clinical MedicineVol. 14(21)
Openalex Percentile: Top 51%
Pain Management and Treatment
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