A Promising New Approach for Long COVID Patients
At Allied Neurology & Interventional Pain Practice, we are proud to be at the forefront of innovative care for patients suffering from long COVID and post-viral syndromes. One of the most promising treatments we now offer is the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB). This minimally invasive, image-guided injection targets the body’s autonomic nervous system to help “reset” chronic overactivation caused by viral stress.
Our Experience with SGB for Long COVID
To date, we have performed multiple Stellate Ganglion Block procedures on patients dealing with long COVID or persistent post-viral symptoms.
These patients had been struggling with debilitating symptoms such as:
- Chronic fatigue
- Cognitive dysfunction (“brain fog”)
- Autonomic instability (e.g., racing heart, dizziness, temperature dysregulation)
- Insomnia
Following SGB treatment, many patients reported marked improvements in overall function and symptom relief.
What Is SGB and How Does It Help?
SGB is a targeted injection of local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion, a nerve cluster located in the neck that regulates the body’s “fight-or-flight” response. When this system becomes chronically overactivated—as often occurs after a severe viral illness like COVID-19—patients may experience persistent fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, and sleep disorders.
SGB works by:
- Interrupting overactive sympathetic nerve signals
- Restoring autonomic balance
- Reducing systemic inflammation and stress hormones
- Improving cerebral blood flow and vagal tone
These effects can provide rapid symptom relief, sometimes within 24–48 hours.
Treatment Protocol and Follow-Up
- Guidance: All SGB procedures are performed using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray imaging) for maximum precision and safety in a fully equipped surgical center.
- Evaluation: Although we do not perform in-house autonomic testing, we refer interested patients to specialized diagnostic facilities for assessment, which is available for a fee.
- Follow-up: Patients undergo multiple post-treatment evaluations to monitor their progress, adjust care as necessary, and ensure their ongoing safety.
- Repeat Treatments: If symptoms return, we offer repeat SGB injections, typically spaced over several weeks, based on individual response.
Which Long COVID Symptoms Respond Best to SGB?
In our clinical experience, patients with the following long COVID symptoms have responded exceptionally well to SGB:
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Chronic fatigue
- Cognitive fog and lack of mental clarity
- Lightheadedness or postural intolerance
- Palpitations and anxiety-like symptoms linked to autonomic dysregulation
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
For mild to moderate cases, one or two SGB treatments may provide sufficient symptom relief. However, for severe cases—especially those involving bed-bound patients—we typically recommend an initial course of up to four SGB sessions, followed by an evaluation to determine the need for additional treatments.
The treatment plan is always individualized and adjusted based on:
- Symptom severity
- Response to initial procedures
- Co-existing medical conditions
- Patient goals and tolerance
Patient Selection and Safety Considerations
SGB is generally safe, but not recommended for individuals with:
- Active infection at the injection site
- Severe bleeding disorders or anticoagulation issues
- Allergy to local anesthetics
Each patient undergoes a complete medical history review to ensure SGB is appropriate and safe.
Why Choose Allied Neurology for Long COVID Treatment?
- Experienced SGB Provider: Board-certified in pain medicine and neurology
- Fluoroscopy-Guided Precision for every procedure
- Multilingual Staff (English, Polish, Spanish)
- Multiple Locations Across NJ and NY
- Integrated Care Model with follow-up tracking and optional referrals
Schedule a Consultation
If you or a loved one is battling persistent fatigue, brain fog, or dysautonomia after COVID-19, Stellate Ganglion Block may offer relief where other therapies have failed.
Call today: 201-894-1313
Locations: Englewood NJ, Garfield NJ, Brooklyn NY
Visit us: www.alliedspineinstitute.com
