Plexus and Ganglion Blocks:
(stellate ganglion, celiac plexus, lumbar sympathetic plexus, hypogastric plexus, ganglion impar)
The body has several bundles of nerve fibers that are responsible for carrying out vital functions of the body. However, in some cases such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) these bundles of nerves become hypersensitized and are responsible for transmitting an amplified pain response to the brain. For example, a stellate ganglion block can be used to help manage CRPS of the upper extremity and similarly a lumbar sympathetic plexus block is often performed to help manage CRPS of the lower extremity. A celiac plexus block can provide significant relief in certain cases of cancer pain. These injections are typically performed with ultrasound or X-ray guidance based on anatomic considerations.
