E3 PreliminaryPreliminaryPEM ?Case-ControlPeer-reviewedMachine draft
Stellate Ganglion Block for Long COVID Symptom Management: A Case Report.
Khan, Mashfee H, Kirkpatrick, Kennedy P, Deng, Yi et al. · Cureus · 2022 · DOI
Quick Summary
This study describes one patient with long COVID who received a stellate ganglion block (SGB)—an injection that calms an overactive nervous system. The treatment helped reduce their fatigue, post-exertional malaise (worsening after activity), shortness of breath, and stomach problems. Because the nervous system controls many body functions, blocking specific nerve signals may help relieve symptoms driven by this dysregulation.
Why It Matters
ME/CFS and long COVID share autonomic nervous system dysfunction as a potential mechanism, making this exploration of SGB relevant to both populations. If nerve blocks prove effective in larger, controlled trials, they could offer a new treatment option for patients with dysautonomia-related symptoms. This case report provides preliminary support for further investigation of autonomic-targeted interventions in post-viral illness.
Observed Findings
- One patient with long COVID received a stellate ganglion block injection.
- Following the procedure, the patient reported subjective improvement in fatigue.
- Post-exertional malaise symptoms improved after SGB.
- Shortness of breath and gastrointestinal symptoms decreased following treatment.
Inferred Conclusions
- The authors suggest that sympathetic nervous system dysregulation contributes to long COVID symptoms.
- They conclude that SGB may be a promising symptomatic management strategy for long COVID patients.
- The case implies that autonomic-targeted interventions warrant further clinical investigation.
Remaining Questions
- How many long COVID patients would actually benefit from SGB, and which patient characteristics predict response?
- Does symptom improvement from SGB persist long-term, or is it temporary?
- How does SGB compare in effectiveness to other autonomic-modulating treatments or standard long COVID care?
- What is the mechanism by which SGB reduces post-exertional malaise specifically—does it prevent post-exertional crashes or merely mask symptoms?
What This Study Does Not Prove
A single case report cannot prove SGB is effective for long COVID—spontaneous improvement, placebo effect, or other concurrent treatments may explain symptom relief. This study does not compare SGB to placebo or standard care, establish how many patients might benefit, or demonstrate long-term durability of any improvement. Generalization from one patient to the broader long COVID population is not scientifically valid.
Tags
Symptom:Post-Exertional MalaiseFatigue
Phenotype:Long COVID Overlap
Method Flag:Weak Case DefinitionNo ControlsSmall Sample
Metadata
- DOI
- 10.7759/cureus.32295
- PMID
- 36628048
- Review status
- Machine draft
- Evidence level
- Early hypothesis, preprint, editorial, or weak support
- Last updated
- 8 April 2026