Without specifics, I can only guess that the oncologist suggest that you have stellate ganglion blocks for the RSD/Brachial Plexitis which would be affecting your arm (upper extremity region). For those who don't know what the brachial plexus is; the brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves that resides directly under the collar bone. It is kind of like an interchange on the nervous system super-highway. All of these nerves are the "brains" of the shoulder, arm, and hand. As you might imagine, this nerve interchange is a very important piece of anatomy. Directly blocking nerves in the brachial plexus would not be very good idea because the arm/shoulder/hand would stop working properly; that is why I believe the stellate ganglion block is what this oncologist is referring to.

Because the block is temporary, the prognosis is not too promising; unless, you are one of those rare cases that gets long lasting relief from a stellate ganglion block. The risks are low so it might be worth a shot.

Dr. Christina Lasich, MD