Stellate Ganglion Block
A targeted block of the sympathetic ganglion at the base of the neck — used for upper-limb complex regional pain syndrome, post-herpetic neuralgia of the face or arm, hyperhidrosis, and selected vascular pain syndromes.
Led by Dr Arul James (Consultant in Pain Medicine, GMC Specialist Register) at The Vesey, Sutton Coldfield. Self-pay and insurance accepted (BUPA, Vitality, AXA, WPA, Cigna, Aviva, Healix). Same-week appointments typical.
Who this procedure is for
- Upper-limb complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS type I or II).
- Post-herpetic neuralgia affecting the face, scalp or upper limb.
- Phantom limb pain after upper-limb amputation.
- Selected refractory hyperhidrosis or vasospastic disorder of the upper limb.
- PTSD with autonomic features — an off-label indication offered only as part of a formal psychiatry-led MDT plan.
How the procedure is performed
Ultrasound-guided injection of local anaesthetic onto the stellate ganglion at the C6 / C7 level. The procedure takes 10–15 minutes. A successful block produces Horner’s syndrome (drooping eyelid, small pupil, facial flush) on the side of the injection — this is expected and confirms the block.
Before, during and after
- Before: fasting from midnight; bring an escort.
- During: supine, neck slightly extended, awake. You will feel pressure but not sharp pain.
- After: 60 minutes of monitored recovery. The Horner’s signs resolve within 4–6 hours.
Recovery and aftercare
No food or drink for 4 hours after the block — swallowing may be temporarily affected. No driving for 24 hours. Voice change is common and self-limiting. A series of 3–6 blocks at weekly intervals is typical for CRPS or post-herpetic neuralgia.
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Risks and side effects
Common: brief site soreness, transient hoarseness, expected Horner’s syndrome. Uncommon: transient difficulty swallowing, brief breathlessness if the recurrent laryngeal nerve is partially blocked. Rare: bleeding, infection, intravascular injection (minimised with ultrasound), pneumothorax (rare with high-cervical ultrasound approach).
When this procedure is not appropriate
Uncorrectable bleeding disorder, active local infection, contralateral phrenic nerve palsy (we will check before proceeding), severe systemic illness.
Cost and pathway
Initial consultation £260. Ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block from £950 including consent, image guidance, drugs and monitored recovery.
- Open 7 days including Sundays — 8am to 8pm, no weekend surcharge
- No GP referral required — book directly with Dr Arul James
- Sutton Coldfield location — serving Birmingham, Walsall, Tamworth, Lichfield and the West Midlands
- CQC-regulated — rated 4.88/5 on Doctify from 700+ verified reviews
View the full pain management pathway →
Sutton Coldfield · Birmingham · Walsall · Tamworth · Lichfield · West Midlands · Open 7 days 8am–8pm
Open 7 days · 8am–8pm · 0121 387 3727