Sympathetic Blocks:

Sympathetic blocks are a medical treatment used to temporarily block part of the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “fight or flight” response and controls many body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, sweating and respiration. Sympathetic blocks are used to treat a variety of medical conditions.

Why Are Sympathetic Blocks Used:

• Pain management: Sympathetic blocks can be used to treat various types of pain, including chronic pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and cancer pain.
• Vascular diseases: Sympathetic blocks can be used to treat vascular diseases such as Raynaud’s disease.
• Hyperhidrosis: Sympathetic blocks can be used to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
• Other: Sympathetic blocks may also be used to treat other medical conditions such as heart failure, tremor, and anxiety.

How to Do Sympathetic Blocks:

Sympathetic blocks can be performed by various methods. The most common methods are:

• Injection: An injection containing local anesthetic and medication is given to the area near the sympathetic nerves.
• Ganglion blockade: An injection is made into the area called ganglion, where sympathetic nerves come together.
• Surgery: Surgical methods such as cutting or ablation (burning) of sympathetic nerves can be used.

Effects of Sympathetic Blocks:

Sympathetic blocks relieve pain, lower blood pressure, and reduce sweating by temporarily blocking the function of the sympathetic nervous system. The effects of sympathetic blocks usually last from a few hours to a few days.

Risks of Sympathetic Blocks:

Sympathetic blocks have some risks. The most common risks are:

• Pain and bleeding at the injection site
• Hypotension
• dizziness
• Nausea
• Allergic reaction