Sellate ganglion block

[Pilchard2]

Been a while since I posted. My consultant is sure that I have vasospastic angina. I'm on the waiting list for a coronary reactivity test for confirmation. I've been unable to tolerate most of the drugs we've tried due to adverse reactions. If we get a confirmed diagnosis from the testing the consultant has talked about having a stellate ganglion block injection into the neck as my last line of fire!

I know Milk fairy has extensive knowledge on vasospastic angina and was wondering if she knows anything about this procedure.

Thanks😊

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello,

My vasospastic angina is resistant to treatment, I experience frequent episodes of chest pain so I acknowledge how challenging living with vasospastic angina can be.

I end up in hospital about twice a year for treatment with IV GTN to settle my coronary vasospasms. I am usually in hospital for 10 -12 days.

I was offered a Stellate ganglion block many years ago at the Royal Brompton.

It was something I researched and I felt it wasn't something that was right for me. There is very little research to support the use of Stellate ganglion block to treat chest pain caused by myocardial ischaemia.

Vasospastic angina is caused by transient constrictions of the coronary arteries leading to myocardial ischaemia.

The procedure is performed by an Anaethetist. It is a nerve block, local anaesthetic is injected into a nerve at the front of your neck. The injection usually works for about 3 months and then needs repeating.

I find using a Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS machine helpful to manage my more severe episodes of angina.

Maybe ask for a second opinion?

Stellate ganglion blocks are not offered very often.

I hope you are able to make a decision that is best for you as an individual.