Recent content by SouthBound

No. I don’t have tinnitus. My wife developed hyperacusis a couple of weeks ago, and so far, all findings have been negative. I started looking for information on whether a stellate ganglion block (SGB) might be helpful for her, since I perform them frequently, and in the process, I came across...

@Jammer, I have performed a lot of stellate ganglion blocks for other reasons, but I do not have any experience treating tinnitus specifically. I have to rely on the published studies.

This is the handout I give patients: Within minutes after the procedure, an individual should begin to display and experience side effects from blockade of the sympathetic nerves on the side of the procedure. While these side effects may be unpleasant, they demonstrate the medication was...

@ErikaS, the studies on treating PTSD are stronger than for any other condition. I have used this treatment with patients who have PTSD for the past 12 years. It does not work for everyone, but the results are usually remarkable. From my perspective as a pain specialist who is also certified in...

In the early 90's stellate ganglion blocks were only done under X-ray (fluoroscopy), which were less accurate and less safe. While some docs still use X-ray guidance, most have moved to the superior guidance of ultrasound. There is still risk, but it is much, much less.

We have a phrase in medicine "nothing ruins good results like long-term follow-up", so I agree about the 6 days. Most used of stellate ganglion block are not approved by insurance companies, so the biggest challenge is finding someone with the skill set, more than a willingness to try it Just...

They do not state in the abstract what was the standard for improvement. It may have been set pretty low if the placebo group had an 84% response rate. Typical placebo response rate in studies ranges from 40-55%, so this is high. All we can say is the magnitude of change from the procedure.