Advanced stellate ganglion block protocol
Preparing for Your SGB Treatment
We’re here to help you get ready, every step of the way.
Treatment Location
Rafael Hospital, Atidim Park, Building No. 3, Tel Aviv.
- *The clinic is on the 1st floor.
- Parking is available in the visitor parking lot in building number 6 only.
- For the patient’s convenience – ask the attendant to drop you off at Building 3 and only then drive to the parking lot.
Before the Treatment
- It is recommended that you be accompanied by an adult friend or family member over the age of 18 on the day of treatment. If an escort is not possible, please inform the staff.
- Arrange for a driver to take you home after the treatment. You cannot drive alone after the treatment due to the sedative properties and possible side effects of the procedure
- It is recommended to arrive as calmly as possible – tranquilizers and medical cannabis are permitted before treatment.
- If there have been any health changes since you submitted your application forms, please contact us immediately to discuss them.
- You are asked not to eat or drink carbonated liquids (cola, tea) two hours before your expected arrival time. You may only drink water close to the time of treatment.
- Wear comfortable clothes. At the clinic you will be given a green gown to replace your outer clothing.
- Do not wear jewelry.
- Reminder regarding blood thinners : If you are taking blood thinners or anticoagulants, please contact the Stella team as soon as possible.
- Those who take blood pressure medication – take the medication before arriving for treatment.
- Please call our office immediately if you are unsure about any prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or supplements you are taking.
- We ask that children under the age of 15 not come to the clinic (you can wait in the lobby outside the clinic)
- We ask that you do not enter the clinic with more than 1 companion (you can wait in the lobby outside the clinic)
- We ask that you not enter the procedure room with the companion as their presence may interfere with the doctor’s concentration and the most effective performance of the procedure. If necessary, you can talk to us in advance in exceptional cases, but legally, the decision is made by the doctor on the spot.
During the Treatment
Arriving for treatment:
- Arrival at Rafael Hospital, Atidim Park, Building No. 3, Tel Aviv.
- Go up to the 1st floor , when exiting the elevator, turn right and continue straight to the clinic. You must present an ID card when receiving treatment.
- Reception by the nurse/brother – taking measurements, asking a few questions and opening a vein.
- Option to receive a sedative (a pill that the patient is familiar with is recommended). – But Stella’s team must be informed and arrive at the clinic about an hour before the treatment.
- Reception by Doctor Stella, a number of questions and signing of an informed consent for treatment – understanding that any invasive medical procedure involves risks and possible complications (you are welcome to contact us with any questions).
- Entering the treatment room – the treatment procedure usually takes about 15 – 20 minutes.
- After the treatment, you will remain under observation for fifteen minutes, but the actual time may vary.
A reminder regarding the expected short-term effects:
- Red and droopy eye on the side of the procedure (expected)
- Blocked nose on the side of the procedure (expected)
- A warm feeling in the face and/or arm on the side of the procedure (often expected)
- Hoarse voice (occurs in about 25% of cases)
- Some difficulty swallowing (occurs in about 15% of cases)
- Dizziness and weakness (occurs in about 50% of cases)
- Headache and numbness of the limbs and half of the face on the injected side (occurs in about 10% of cases)
- A feeling of heaviness in the chest area accompanied by difficulty breathing, only sensory and no danger to breathing (occurs in approximately 5% of cases
These short-term effects usually go away within 6-8 hours, but can sometimes last up to a day or more. You may also experience some neck pain or stiffness for a few days after treatment. Ice and painkillers will help.
After your treatment
It is important for us to join your journey to recovery and monitor your progress.
It is very important to be in a calm environment in the days following treatment to allow for optimal results.
- Please know that you can contact us at any time to discuss your symptoms, results, or any other questions.
- We will be in touch at points throughout the first year after treatment to complete follow-up questionnaires.
- These checkpoints will allow us to monitor your progress and provide you with ongoing care after the procedure.
- Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns, we look forward to seeing you.