Long Covid Clinic Denver
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has left a permanent mark on our world as we know it. Besides causing millions of deaths, it caused even more symptomatic and asymptomatic illnesses. Many of those who experienced symptoms were able to clear the virus and experience a full recovery. However, about 30% of those with symptoms, and even 5% of those who were considered asymptomatic, experienced a continued inflammatory response which we have come to know as Long Haul COVID, or more formally, Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (Liu & Duricka, 2022). Without treatment, symptoms can potentially persist indefinitely (Logue et al., 2021). These symptoms could include fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, GI issues, changes or loss of smell often termed anosmia or hyposmia, and changes or loss of taste called dysgeusia, or ageusia, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, lightheadedness, and low blood pressure when transitioning from sitting to standing (called orthostatic intolerance), elevated resting heart rate, and depression.
Stellate Ganglion Block Treatment
These covid symptoms which have been identified as Long-COVID can be described as a form of dysautonomia, which simply describes an autonomic nervous system (ANS) that is in dysregulation. The stellate ganglion is a region in the upper neck that plays a part in regulating the body’s nervous system. Injecting this area essentially blocks the overactive response and reboots the nervous system and can help with long covid symptoms. This procedure, called a stellate ganglion block, is not new and can alleviate symptoms of long covid. Stellate ganglion block has been used for decades to treat symptoms such as Reynaud’s, excessive sweating, and a chronic pain condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). More recently, stellate ganglion block is used to treat heart arrhythmias and even PTSD.
The stellate ganglion block procedure is quick and performed in an ambulatory surgery center. Insurance typically does not cover this procedure so Metro Denver Sport, Spine, and Pain Management have created a reasonable flat rate for those who wish to have this procedure performed. This flat rate has made it possible for more patients to seek the treatment they need for symptoms caused by PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and Long COVID, such as loss of smell, loss of taste, fatigue, brain fog, mental fogginess, orthostatic intolerance, anosmia, and dysgeusia, parosmia, garbage smell, sewage smell, among other symptoms.
Contact Metro Denver Pain Management (MD Pain) Today
If you are interested in learning more about stellate ganglion block for the symptoms mentioned above, please contact Metro Denver Sports, Spine, and Pain Management at 303-750-8100. As a long covid clinic in Denver, we are happy to assist you by answering your questions about stellate ganglion block or scheduling the procedure.